Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 34
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
हिनस्ति विषमत्तारं वह्निरद्भि: प्रशाम्यति । कुलं समूलं दहति ब्रह्मस्वारणिपावक: ॥ ३४ ॥
hinasti viṣam attāraṁ vahnir adbhiḥ praśāmyati kulaṁ sa-mūlaṁ dahati brahma-svāraṇi-pāvakaḥ
毒只害吞毒之人，凡火亦可用水扑灭；但由婆罗门之财这“摩木”所生之火，却能将盗者全族连根焚尽。
Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī compares the fire ignited by stealing a brāhmaṇa’s property to the fire that blazes within the cavity of an old tree. Such a fire cannot be put out even with the water of numerous rainfalls. Rather, it burns the whole tree from within, all the way down to the roots in the ground. Similarly, the fire ignited by stealing a brāhmaṇa’s property is the most deadly and should be avoided at all costs.
FAQs
This verse warns that misappropriating what belongs to brāhmaṇas creates a uniquely destructive reaction—like a sacredly-kindled fire that can burn one’s entire family line to the root.
Because it indicates a potent, dharmic consequence: ordinary dangers can be countered (fire by water), but the offense connected with brahminical wealth is portrayed as especially ruinous and hard to neutralize.
Honor sacred trust: avoid exploiting religious people, institutions, or donations; practice integrity in handling others’ wealth and treat spiritual learning and its supporters with respect.