Mahabharata Shanti Parva – नात्मार्थं पाचयेद अन्नं न वृथा घातयेत पशून

Shloka (श्लोक)

नात्मार्थं पाचयेद अन्नं न वृथा घातयेत पशून
परानी वा यदि वाप्रानी संस्कारं यजुषार्हति

⚡ Quick Meaning

This shloka instructs on the ethical treatment of food and animals, stressing the importance of rituals.

Translations

English Translation

It is advised that one should not cook food for personal greed or harm animals for no reason; rather, living beings should be offered the appropriate rituals as a mark of respect and tradition.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह सलाह दी गई है कि व्यक्ति को व्यक्तिगत स्वार्थ के लिए भोजन नहीं पकाना चाहिए और बिना कारण जानवरों को नुकसान नहीं पहुँचाना चाहिए; बल्कि, जीवों को सम्मान और परंपरा के प्रतीक के रूप में उपयुक्त अनुष्ठानों की पेशकश करनी चाहिए।

Commentary

Context

This verse appears in the Shanti Parva, preaching respect for life and ethical eating practices within the household.

Meaning

The focus is on fostering a sense of responsibility towards all living beings and ensuring that one’s actions in daily life are ethical and respectful.

Application

This verse urges individuals to conduct their lives with compassion, promoting ethical practices in food consumption and treatment towards animals.