Mahabharata Vana Parva – तयजेत कुलार्थे पुरुषं गरामस्यार्थे कुलं तयजेत

Shloka (श्लोक)

तयजेत कुलार्थे पुरुषं गरामस्यार्थे कुलं तयजेत
गरामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं तयजेत

⚡ Quick Meaning

One should abandon a person for the sake of the family, the family for the sake of the village, and the village for the sake of self-preservation.

Translations

English Translation

This shloka suggests prioritizing values in a hierarchical manner: family needs come before individual needs, village needs take priority over a single family’s, asserting the idea that self-preservation is paramount, even above community ties.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक अनुशंसा करता है कि प्राथमिकताओं को एक पदानुक्रम में रखा जाए: परिवार की जरूरतें व्यक्तिगत जरूरतों से पहले आती हैं, गांव की जरूरतें एक परिवार की जरूरतों पर हावी होती हैं, यह व्यक्त करते हुए कि आत्म-संरक्षण सर्वोपरि है, यहां तक कि समुदाय के बंधनों से भी।

Commentary

Context

This verse is often discussed in relation to the inherent conflicts that arise in familial and societal obligations.

Meaning

The teaching emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing one’s own well-being, which can justify difficult choices affecting relations.

Application

Evaluate which relationships truly support personal growth and well-being, recognizing that sometimes difficult choices are necessary for self-preservation.