And he is not at an age right for renunciation; he has not…
““And he is not at an age right for renunciation; he has not even entered the stage of the householder, as befits a well educated man; he has not therefore paid back his dues to the gods and to his ancestral spirits and to his fellowmen. Bound by these dues where can he go now? He has no experience at all of women and consequently of samsara. He has not therefore attained any of the purusharthas of life, namely dharma, artha and kama. He has not even rendered personal service to his parents to ensure their comfort. He has not helped his loving relations, nor endowed his dear friends with wealth, nor honoured the wise. He has not shared his wealth with his dependants nor fulfilled the desires of those begging for favours. "He has not founded his lineage by begetting sons and grandsons. Nor has he performed any great sacrificial rituals. He has not given generous gifts nor fulfilled his obligations of hospitality. He has not done his duty by this world. He has not adorned the earth with dams, wells and water distributing centres, with palaces, ponds and groves. Above all he has not still spread his fame far and wide which alone would live on till the end of the world.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man who has not fulfilled duties to gods, family, and society cannot find purpose or peace.
In simple terms: Unfulfilled duties lead to emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Fulfill responsibilities for fulfillment.
Themes
duty
spirituality
family
society
purpose
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
religious
ethical
When to use this quote
- marriage
- career
- community service
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
dharmic obligation
life stages
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What duties are essential at each life stage?
- How do personal aspirations align with societal duties?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting duties may cause societal discord.