Mahabharata 3: Sacrifice All The Earth For Self

For family's good rid one man, Society's sake, one family, Society, for the sake of country, Sacrifice all earth for thine atman. ________________________________________________________________ Here is the transliteration of the original verse: tyajet ekam kulasya arthegrāmasya arthe kulam tyajet | grāmam janapadasya artheātmā arthe pŗthivīm tyajet || This is one of the frequently repeated verses in the epic happening in different contexts— on a hierarchy of higher interests and what should be done. In the dispute between Devayani and Sarmishtha, the latter had to sacrifice her life for the larger interest of kingdom. She, the princess, had to become personal maid of Devayani and accompany her when she married Yayati. Note that the verse talks about Self, atman, and not self.