Mahabharata Shanti Parva – धर्मार्थं न सुखार्थार्थं कथं यज्ञः समाहितः

Shloka (श्लोक)

[य] बहूनां यज्ञतपसाम एकार्थानां पितामह
धर्मार्थं न सुखार्थार्थं कथं यज्ञः समाहितः

⚡ Quick Meaning

How can a sacrifice be truly focused on dharma when it is for the sake of personal happiness rather than for divine purpose?

Translations

English Translation

This shloka questions the essence of sacrifices performed without the pure intent of dharma, emphasizing that true sacrificial acts must arise from a spirit of righteousness rather than mere desire for personal satisfaction. It points out the importance of unifying the motivations of sacrifice towards the greater good.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक उन बलिदानों के सार को प्रश्नित करता है, जो बिना धर्म की शुद्ध इच्छा के किए जाते हैं, यह नज़र डालता है कि असली बलिदान सही प्रेरणा से होना चाहिए, केवल व्यक्तिगत संतोष के लिए नहीं। यह बलिदान के उद्देश्यों को उच्चतम भलाई के प्रति एकजुट करने के महत्व को बताता है।

Commentary

Context

This teaching arises from the broader discourse on the motivations behind rituals in the Shanti Parva, focusing on the integrity of one’s intentions.

Meaning

It encourages practitioners to align their religious observances with selfless and ethical purposes, rather than seeking selfish gains.

Application

In every action, particularly in rituals, one must maintain clarity of purpose, ensuring that actions serve a higher moral and spiritual goal.