नरनारायण-नारदसंवादः
Nara-Nārāyaṇa–Nārada Discourse on Vision, Elements, and Entry into Vāsudeva
भूतानामपर: कश्रिद्धिंसायां सततोत्थित: । वज्चनायां च लोकस्य स सुखेष्वेव जीर्यते
bhūtānām aparaḥ kaścid dhiṃsāyāṃ satatotthitaḥ | vañcanāyāṃ ca lokasya sa sukheṣv eva jīryate ||
Nārada nói: Lại có hạng người luôn chăm chăm làm hại chúng sinh và lừa dối thế gian. Thế mà hắn vẫn già đi giữa hưởng lạc—dường như phú quý dù mang lòng tàn bạo và gian trá.
नारद उवाच
The verse highlights a moral paradox: some people commit violence and deceive others yet appear to thrive and reach old age in comfort. It prompts reflection on the difference between outward prosperity and inner/ethical accountability, preparing the ground for deeper discussion of karma, justice, and dharma.
Narada is describing a category of wrongdoers—habitual in harming beings and cheating society—who nevertheless seem to live pleasantly. This observation functions as an example within a broader Shanti Parva discourse on conduct, consequences, and the complexities of moral order.