kula-kṣhaye praṇaśhyanti kula-dharmāḥ sanātanāḥ
dharme naṣhṭe kulaṁ kṛitsnam adharmo ’bhibhavaty uta
kula-kṣhaye — in the destruction of a dynasty;
praṇaśhyanti — are vanquished;
kula-dharmāḥ — family traditions;
sanātanāḥ — eternal;
dharme — religion;
naṣhṭe — is destroyed;
kulam — family;
kṛitsnam — the whole;
adharmaḥ — irreligion;
abhibhavati — overcome;
uta — indeed
This verse talks about the importance of family values and how losing them can harm society. In simple terms, a strong family foundation is crucial for creating a peaceful and happy society where everyone can grow spiritually and improve their lives.
In many cultures, including the one in this verse, family traditions play a big role in how people live and behave. These traditions help guide people on how to be good and virtuous. They are essential for keeping the community and society as a whole healthy. The verse suggests that one of the key aspects of maintaining these values is the role of women in the family. If the women in a family live by strong values and principles, it is likely that the next generation will also grow up with those same values.
However, when these family values are lost or destroyed, it can lead to problems. The verse warns that when there is a lack of moral standards, women may lose their way. This can lead to situations where they might engage in relationships outside of marriage or have children without proper support or commitment. This is considered "unwanted progeny," which means children who are born into difficult circumstances without the stability of a loving family.
The verse emphasizes that it is not just about individual actions but the impact that these actions can have on the entire community. If women are influenced negatively, it can lead to consequences like poor upbringing of children, and irresponsible behavior can spread in society. When good family traditions break down, it can create a cycle of immorality, where people do not honor commitments, leading to chaos and suffering.
The teachings stress that it is crucial for older family members—like parents and grandparents—to guide and protect younger members, especially women and children. They should be engaged in positive and religious activities that reinforce good values. By doing this, families can raise children who respect traditions and contribute positively to society.
In summary, this verse highlights that a strong family base rooted in good values is vital for a healthy society. When families uphold these values, they help ensure a better future for everyone, while the absence of such values can lead to severe societal problems.