Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 36
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
परेऽवरे च ये भावा गुणव्यतिकरादनु । न तेषां विद्यते क्षेममीशविध्वंसिताशिषाम् ॥ ३६ ॥
pare ’vare ca ye bhāvā guṇa-vyatikarād anu na teṣāṁ vidyate kṣemam īśa-vidhvaṁsitāśiṣām
我们所称为福分的高低生命境界，其差别只是由于物质自然三德的交互混杂而显现。其实它们并无永恒安稳，因为一切终将被至上主宰所毁灭。
In our material existence we accept a higher form of life as a blessing and a lower form as a curse. This distinction of “higher” and “lower” only exists as long as the different material qualities ( guṇas ) interact. In other words, by our good activities we are elevated to the higher planetary systems or to a higher standard of life (good education, beautiful body, etc.). These are the results of pious activities. Similarly, by impious activities we remain illiterate, get ugly bodies, a poor standard of living, etc. But all these different states of life are under the laws of material nature through the interaction of the qualities of goodness, passion and ignorance. However, all these qualities will cease to act at the time of the dissolution of the entire cosmic manifestation. The Lord therefore says in Bhagavad-gītā (8.16) :
FAQs
This verse says that the higher and lower states produced by the mixed modes of nature cannot give lasting welfare; they remain within material fluctuation.
While instructing his citizens, Pṛthu emphasizes that true good comes when the Lord breaks one’s dependence on material benedictions, turning the heart toward spiritual shelter.
Don’t measure success only by “better” or “worse” material conditions; use setbacks as a prompt to reduce cravings and strengthen devotion, character, and spiritual practice.