Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 6
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
यद् यद्धास्यति लोकेऽस्मिन्सम्परेतं धनादिकम् । तस्य त्यागे निमित्तं किं विप्रस्तुष्येन्न तेन चेत् ॥ ६ ॥
yad yad dhāsyati loke ’smin samparetaṁ dhanādikam tasya tyāge nimittaṁ kiṁ vipras tuṣyen na tena cet
吾主也可见：人死之时，财宝等一切世间荣华必与其主分离。故若婆罗门瓦摩那天神尚未因所施之礼而满足，何不以那终将随死而失去的财富来取悦祂呢？
The word vipra means brāhmaṇa, and at the same time “confidential.” Bali Mahārāja had confidentially decided to give the gift to Lord Vāmanadeva without discussion, but because such a decision would hurt the hearts of the asuras and his spiritual master, Śukrācārya, he spoke equivocally. Bali Mahārāja, as a pure devotee, had already decided to give all the land to Lord Viṣṇu.
FAQs
This verse teaches that since wealth and possessions are certainly left behind at death, clinging to them is irrational; real satisfaction must be sought beyond material accumulation.
He highlights that a truly wise person (vipra) should be content and detached; if even a learned person cannot be satisfied by possessions, then possessions are not the source of lasting fulfillment.
Regularly reflect on impermanence, simplify needs, use wealth in service (dāna and dharma), and cultivate inner contentment through devotion and spiritual practice rather than constant acquisition.