CHARUCHARYA Part XIX

 

अरागभोगसुभगः स्यात्‌ प्रसक्तविरक्तधीः । राज्ये जनकराजोऽभून्निर्लेपोऽम्भसि पद्मवत्‌॥७३॥

Arāga-bhoga-subhagaḥ syāt prasakta-virakta-dhīḥ |
Rājye Janakarājo’bhūn nirlepo’mbhasi padmavat || 73 ||

Translation

A person should remain free from attachment to pleasures.
Though King Janaka ruled a kingdom, his mind remained detached—
just like a lotus leaf that stays untouched by water.

Explanation

This verse teaches the ideal of inner detachment with outer responsibility.  Janaka is presented as a perfect example. Though he enjoyed royal power and worldly comforts, he was not mentally attached to them. His life shows that one can actively perform duties and still remain spiritually pure. The lotus leaf, though surrounded by water, remains dry—symbolizing a wise person living in the world without being trapped by it.

अशिष्यसेवया लाभलोभेन स्याद्‌ गुरुर्लघुः। संवर्तयज्ञयाञ्चाभिर्लज्जां लेभे बृहस्पतिः ॥ ७४ ॥

Aśiṣya-sevayā lābha-lobhena syād gurur laghuḥ |
Saṃvarta-yajña-yāñcābhir lajjāṃ lebhe Bṛhaspatiḥ || 74 ||

Translation

A teacher becomes insignificant when he seeks profit from serving unworthy disciples. Even Guru Bṛhaspati faced humiliation when he had to beg during the sacrifice of Saṃvarta.

Explanation

This verse warns against greed and loss of dignity in a teacher. A true guru should guide out of compassion, not for material gain. When a teacher serves undeserving disciples for profit, his stature diminishes. The example of Bṛhaspati shows that even a highly revered teacher may face disgrace when forced into dependency or compromise of principles. True respect comes from integrity, not wealth.

नष्टशीलां त्यजेन्नारीं रागवृद्धिविधायिनीम्‌।चन्द्रोच्छिष्टाधिकप्रीत्यै पत्नी निन्दाप्यभूद्‌ गुरोः॥७५॥

Naṣṭa-śīlāṃ tyajennārīṃ rāga-vṛddhi-vidhāyinīm |
Candrocchiṣṭādhika-prītyai patnī nindāpyabhūd guroḥ || 75 ||

Translation

A man should give up a woman of corrupt character who only increases passion. Because Guru Bṛhaspati showed excessive attachment in accepting his wife again after she was involved with the Moon, he was widely criticized.

Explanation

This verse emphasizes moral discipline and control over desire. Excessive attachment clouds judgment, even in wise people. When personal affection overpowers ethical values, society condemns such behavior. The verse reminds us that self-restraint is essential, especially for those who are respected and looked up to by others.

Overall Teaching

Together, these three ślokas teach that:

·         One can live in the world without being attached to it

·         Greed diminishes dignity, especially in teachers

·         Excessive desire leads to loss of moral authority

They strongly advocate detachment, integrity, and self-control as foundations of a noble life.