--> Skip to main content


Sri Krishna Shantidoot Teachings In Mahabharata

Sri Krishna talks to Duryodhana as Shantidoot or messenger of peace in Hastinapura court in the Mahabharata.
  • The activity of wise is directed towards virtue, wealth, and pleasure.
  • When not all of them are attainable, the wise aim for virtue and wealth.
  • Again if it is impossible to achieve the two, the wise aim for Virtue.
  • Wealth is the cause strife and pleasure and it is pursued by fool alone.
  • The man who abandons virtue by being a slave of senses never attains happiness on earth.
  • Desiring to secure profit and pleasure, through improper means, the foolish person abandon virtue.
  • The one who practices virtue alone achieves true pleasure and true wealth.
  • Virtue alone is the means of obtaining everything in this world.
  • He who has the power of virtue flourishes like a flame in the forest.
Additional Information:

In Hinduism, wisdom (or "jnana") plays a central role in guiding individuals toward a life of virtue (dharma), wealth (artha), and pleasure (kama), often referred to as the purusharthas—the four fundamental aims of human life, with the fourth being moksha (spiritual liberation). The hierarchy described in your quote aligns with the Hindu philosophical tradition, where the wise prioritize these aims based on their alignment with ultimate truth and moral duty.

Let’s expand this with additional information, quotes, and insights from Hindu scriptures, symbolism, and modern-day relevance.

1. The Pursuit of Virtue (Dharma)

Virtue, or dharma, is the foremost goal in Hindu philosophy. It refers to the righteous path, moral duty, and living in harmony with the universal order. The wise prioritize dharma because it ensures long-term peace and order, not just in their lives but in society as a whole.

Scriptural Support:

The Manusmriti (often referred to as the "Laws of Manu") is an important ancient text that elaborates on the concept of dharma. A notable quote from it is:

"Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, purity, and control of the senses are the essence of dharma." (Manusmriti 10.63)

This highlights how virtues such as honesty, compassion, and self-discipline form the foundation of dharma.

2. The Pursuit of Wealth (Artha)

In Hinduism, wealth (artha) is not seen as inherently evil. It is essential for sustaining life, supporting society, and fulfilling responsibilities. However, wealth should be acquired ethically and used for the welfare of others. The wise recognize that artha without dharma leads to greed and moral decay. Hence, while it is valued, wealth should not overshadow virtue.

Symbolism:

Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, embodies prosperity and abundance, but she is also closely associated with Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, which symbolizes that wealth should be balanced by responsibility and morality.

Scriptural Support:

The Arthashastra, attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya), speaks at length about the acquisition and use of wealth in governance, but stresses the importance of virtue:

"Artha is the foundation of both dharma and kama. A person without wealth will neither attain virtue nor love." (Arthashastra 1.7.7)

Here, wealth is seen as a means to achieve higher goals, but never as an end in itself.

3. The Pursuit of Pleasure (Kama)

The wise also recognize the importance of kama, the pursuit of pleasure, love, and emotional fulfillment. While kama has a place in human life, it must be regulated by dharma to ensure that it does not lead to indulgence or attachment. The Kama Sutra, though widely known as a text on love and intimacy, also emphasizes ethical enjoyment and self-restraint.

Scriptural Support:

The Shiva Purana narrates the story of Lord Shiva and Kamadeva, the god of love. Kamadeva tries to disturb Shiva’s meditation with desires, and Shiva burns him with his third eye. This story symbolizes that uncontrolled desire can be destructive, and one must rise above it to attain higher wisdom.

4. The Pursuit of Moksha

Beyond virtue, wealth, and pleasure lies moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The ultimate goal of the wise is to attain moksha, which transcends worldly desires and attachments. This is where Hinduism emphasizes renunciation (vairagya)—detaching from the temporary and aligning with the eternal.

Lesser-Known Fact:

In some schools of Hindu philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, wisdom is equated with self-realization. The realization that the individual soul (atman) is one with the universal soul (Brahman) leads to liberation. In this sense, true wisdom leads to both virtue and liberation.

"Brahman is the reality, the world is an illusion, and the self is not different from Brahman." (Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9)

5. Modern-Day Relevance:

In the modern world, the balance between dharma, artha, and kama continues to be of great importance. Many face conflicts between ethical living, the pursuit of material success, and the fulfillment of desires. Hindu wisdom offers a framework for navigating these tensions.

  • Work-Life Balance: Modern professionals can draw from the principle of aligning wealth with virtue. Ethical business practices, social responsibility, and maintaining personal integrity in the pursuit of wealth are akin to balancing artha with dharma.
  • Mindfulness in Pleasure: The wise approach to kama involves moderation and mindfulness. In a world of instant gratification, Hindu teachings remind us that unchecked desires can lead to suffering. Practicing mindful consumption and ethical relationships can bring deeper, more sustainable happiness.
  • Spiritual Integration: In day-to-day life, the pursuit of moksha might translate into practices of meditation, mindfulness, or even charity, encouraging individuals to detach from material excesses and focus on inner peace.

6. Practicality in Day-to-Day Life:

  • Dharma in Action: Living virtuously is possible through everyday actions like honesty, kindness, and fulfilling one’s duties (e.g., family, work, and community responsibilities).
  • Ethical Wealth Accumulation: Rather than focusing solely on personal gain, wealth should be seen as a tool for uplifting oneself and others. Charity (as promoted through the concept of daan), ethical investment, and community service align material success with moral duty.
  • Mindful Enjoyment: Practicing self-control in enjoyment of sensory pleasures ensures that one does not become enslaved by them, as taught in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali.

"When the mind is steadfast in the Self, free from desires, that is the highest state." (Yoga Sutras 1.15)

7. Symbolism and Stories:

The epic Mahabharata provides numerous lessons about these pursuits. For example:

  • Yudhishthira's Wisdom: During the famous Yaksha Prashna, where Yudhishthira answers riddles posed by a Yaksha, he is asked what is the greatest virtue. He replies, “Non-violence,” highlighting the emphasis on virtue over material success, even in dire situations.

8. Lesser-Known Facts:

  • The Four Stages of Life: Hinduism prescribes four stages of life (ashramas), where the pursuit of each goal is emphasized differently. For instance, brahmacharya (student life) focuses on learning and dharma, while grihastha (householder life) encourages the pursuit of artha and kama within moral bounds.

In conclusion, Hinduism offers a nuanced approach to living a balanced life, where wisdom guides individuals to prioritize virtue, wealth, and pleasure according to circumstance, always keeping the highest goal—spiritual liberation—in mind. The teachings remain practical and relevant, especially in modern times, by providing a framework for ethical living, personal fulfillment, and spiritual growth.