What Is The Value Of A Human Being: Who Decides A Human’s Value

The sages and saints called this world an ocean of existence,

Many people called this world a stage; the wise called it the city of death,

The deities called it the mortal realm, 

And in the language of common people, this world is the land of Karma.

For ages, we have been coming and going, 

Being born and dying, what is our real task?

Billions and trillions have come and gone; what is our real price?

On this earth, no one truly connects with another, 

There's no connection in feelings,

No one is dear to another, no one loves another,

A price is exacted for a price, even love is cashed in,

Only matters of use are discussed, and a price is put on human beings.

In this world of competition, what is the value of a person?

We have come to this earth as humans,

Humanity is my religion (Dharma), and I have to live as a true human being.

Religion has bound us; justice and injustice are two shackles,

Do good and you will get good; that is the shackle of gold.

Do bad and you will get bad; that is the shackle of iron.

O human, it is in your hands, your Karma is the pen here,

As you write, so shall you receive; this is the rule of destiny.

It is the law of fate, as the deed, so the fruit,

O human, who has assessed your value? Your reward is in your own hands.

Karma is worship, Karma is service, Karma is the fruit of Karma itself.

Karma is emotion, Karma is truth, Karma is the knowledge of life,

Karma gives motion to life, and a sense of service gives respect.

Billions of people came and went, who keeps track of whom?

Karma is worship, Karma is service; perhaps only a few can ever know this.

Some have a lot of wealth, and with wealth, some people live in grandeur,

Some people have the arrogance of wealth, and wealth has blinded others.

And some people say, life is but for a few days, many say eat, drink and be merry,

Perhaps only a few say, "What you plan for tomorrow, 

Do it today; what you plan for today, do it now.

In a moment, disaster will strike. When will you act then?"

O human, who has assessed your value? The world is full of spectacles, 

Each greater than the last,

Who cares for whom here? Everyone is busy paying their own price.

Without doing any work, what is your worth? The world has no need for an empty name,

The one who is a hero of Karma gets their value, and the world remembers their name.

Humans don't understand that death has no fixed time,

Destiny cannot be tested, and nothing is more valuable than time.

The past moments never return; only one who recognises the value of time gives it its due.

The price of work is fixed; think, my brother, what is your worth and what is your price?

O human, who gives you your value? You are judged, and then your price is set,

Many have given up, exhausted; many whose stubborn will to win has been broken,

Many have lost even in helplessness, but the one who never got tired of losing and winning,

The one who did not stop in their zeal for life, the one who gave value to their work,

The world takes its name. O human, who gives you your value? You decide your own worth.

This world doesn't understand that bravery in words has no value,

To whom does the world give worth? Who is it that speaks priceless words?

The world gives value to those whose work is priceless,

The world takes its name who have performed great deeds,

They have some happiness in this world who have done some invaluable work.

In this world, many have great influence, and some have a great hunger,

Many here became very wealthy, but what is the price of that wealth?

The world does not remember their names who only worked for themselves,

In this maze-like world, those who do unique work, the world gives them their value.

The work of those who gave momentum to the world, their names have become immortal in the world.

O human, who gives you your value? Who here even cares?

That priceless work is left undone by those who only gave value to wealth and riches.

Wealth and riches are left behind here. What is the value of an empty hand?

Those who did not work to achieve immortality, all their efforts later went in vain.

Those who earned their own name, their names recorded in history.

The world calls their names; time is a witness to this.

What lies in a human's destiny? The pen of Karma is what supports it.

Those who only write about their own interests, the world does not support them.

Those who write about the world's welfare, the world returns it to them in abundance.

Those who thought of the world's well-being, their Karma is truth,

It returns to them manifold.

Destiny is bad, so no one supports you? Examine your Karma,

Improve your Karma, think of doing good for others.

O human, who has assessed your value? The test of every stage is still remaining.

Who has stumbled from door to door? Who has reached the peak without being tested?

Without a test, there is no true judgment, and those who lose lack the courage (jigrā).

Without courage, there is no value, and without courage, the peak cannot be climbed.

O human, who gives you your value? Show your courage.

O human, who gives you your value? Here, everything is a matter of self-interest,

Without self-interest, not even a leaf moves; without self-interest, people cannot think.

Here, what friend is greater than self-interest? And the value of people here is decreasing.

O human, who gives you your value? Think carefully before you act.

O human, who gives you your value? The world does not take an empty name.

You don't get a price for free here; the scripture of your Karma is seen.

Matters of profit are discussed; without profit, you get no attention.

Seeing a benefit, people place their bets, but they fail to understand their own true value.

People work for small, selfish gains, which is why their value does not increase.

People give value to those who have earned their name,

They hold great sway in the world who can exert greater influence.

People don't value the wise and virtuous if they cannot exert any influence.

They have great glory in this world who have earned their own dignity.

Those who want to be called by their name in this world pay a high price.

O human, who gives you your value? Think carefully before you act.

If you want to earn your name, take aim at your work.

If you want to reach a high peak, understand the value of time, and give value to your work.

If you want to earn your name, put your heart and soul into it.

Without Karma, a name is not made; true Karma and self-sacrifice lead to high peaks.

1: Different Names of the World and the Purpose of Life:-

In the poem, the poet portrays the world from various perspectives. Saints call it a bhavsagar (ocean of existence), full of attachments. Some describe it as a stage, where everything is a play. The wise call it a world filled with death; the gods call it Mrityulok (the realm of mortality). Common people see it as a land of karma. For ages, the cycle of birth and death has continued, but what is the real purpose? Billions have come and gone—what was their true value? The poet raises the question: What is the real work and worth of life? This shows that the world is transient, urging us to reflect deeply on our existence. Life should not be mere survival but a purposeful journey.

2: Lack of True Connection and Selfishness in the World:-

The poem describes the world as selfish, where no one shares a genuine bond. Emotions don’t align; love feels fake. Everything has a price—people demand payment, talk of utility, and measure a person’s worth. In a competitive world, relationships are transactional. No one is truly dear; everything rests on usefulness. The poet criticises that emotions are secondary, while price is primary. This reflects the reality of modern society, where true connections are rare. We must rise above selfishness and embrace human values; otherwise, life becomes meaningless.

3: Humanity, Religion, and the Chains of Karma:-

The poet says we are born as humans, and humanity is our true religion. We should live as real human beings. Religions bind us; justice and injustice are two chains—good deeds are golden, bad deeds are iron. Do good, and you receive good; do bad, and you suffer. This conveys the law of karma. The poet places humanity above all, where religion is not a bondage but a guide. We must choose righteous actions that lead to liberation. By prioritising morality and humanity, we can turn our chains into golden ones.

4: Karma as the Pen of Destiny:-

The poem compares karma to the pen of destiny. Human beings hold karma in their hands; whatever they write, they shall reap. The law of creation: fruits according to deeds. Who determines your worth? The results are in your hands. This shows destiny is not predetermined but shaped by actions. The poet encourages us to write our own life script. Avoid bad deeds, improve destiny through good ones. It teaches self-reliance, where responsibility lies with oneself. Through karma, we determine our own value—so don’t blame fate.

5: The Importance of Karma and the Knowledge of Life:-

Karma is worship, service, fruit, emotion, truth, and the very knowledge of life. Karma gives life motion; service gives honour. Billions have come and gone, but few are remembered. Few understand the depth of karma. The poet presents karma as the root mantra of life. It is tied to devotion and service. True honour comes from action. We should prioritise karma to make life meaningful. Avoid idleness, for karma grants immortality. This philosophy, inspired by ancient scriptures, is still practical today.

6: The Illusion of Wealth and Life’s Uncertainty:-

The poem warns against the illusion of wealth. Some live luxuriously through money, but wealth brings arrogance and blindness. Life is short—many say, “Eat, drink, and enjoy.” But the truth is: do tomorrow’s work today, today’s work right now. Disaster can strike in a moment—when will regret help? The poet emphasises the uncertainty of life. Wealth is left behind, but deeds remain. We must use time wisely, not fall into slavery to money. This recalls the idea of carpe diem—live fully, centred on karma.

7: Time, Death, and One’s True Worth:-

The time of death is uncertain; destiny cannot be tested; time is the most valuable asset. Time once lost never returns. Without work, there is no worth; the world gives nothing for free. The names of those who act remain alive. The poet says—reflect: what is your value? Understand the worth of time. This inspires self-reflection. Don’t waste life in idleness; build value through deeds. Do not fear the uncertainty of death; instead, take inspiration from it. The world has countless displays of greatness, but your true worth must be determined by yourself.

8: Courage and Tests Decide Value:-

Value is determined through tests. Many grow tired and give up, but those who keep going win. Without courage, there is no worth; climbing heights requires bravery. Every destination has its trials; without tests, there is no judgment. Those who lack courage. The poet urges: Show your bravery. This highlights the importance of struggle and determination. Life is full of trials; courage increases value. We must not give up in helplessness but live with spirit. Success comes only through courage.

9: Earning a Name in a Selfish World:-

The world is selfish—nothing moves without self-interest. People make moves only after weighing the benefits. Small selfishness does not increase worth. Those who earn a name earn value. Even the wise must take risks. For a name, a high price must be paid. True action and sacrifice lead to great heights. The poet says—act with thought, put your whole heart into it. The world remembers priceless deeds. We must rise above selfishness and serve others; only then comes immortality.

Conclusion:-

The poem reveals the truth of life—that karma alone determines value. The world is selfish, but through true action, courage, and sacrifice, one’s name becomes immortal. The poet inspires us to understand that destiny is shaped by karma, wealth and illusion are temporary, and time is priceless. Rise above selfishness, embrace humanity, and choose righteous deeds. Though inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, this philosophy applies to modern life. Ultimately, a person determines their worth through karma. To make life meaningful, become a doer—only then will the world remember your name.