Text 33
annaṁ hi prāṇināṁ prāṇa
ārtānāṁ śaraṇaṁ tv aham
dharmo vittaṁ nṛṇāṁ pretya
santo ’rvāg bibhyato ’raṇam
annam — food; hi — indeed; prāṇinām — of living entities; prāṇaḥ — the very life; ārtānām — of those who are distressed; śaraṇam — the shelter; tu — and; aham — I; dharmaḥ — religion; vittam — the wealth; nṛṇām — of men; pretya — when they have passed away from this world; santaḥ — the devotees; arvāk — of going downward; bibhyataḥ — for those who are fearful; araṇam — the refuge.
Just as food is the life of all creatures, just as I am the ultimate shelter for the distressed, and just as religion is the wealth of those who are passing away from this world, so My devotees are the only refuge of persons fearful of falling into a miserable condition of life.
Those fearful of being dragged down by material lust and anger should take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord’s devotees, who can engage one safely in the Lord’s loving service.