Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
Kṛṣṇa Kills Dantavakra; Balarāma’s Pilgrimage and the Slaying of Romaharṣaṇa
ऋषेर्भगवतो भूत्वा शिष्योऽधीत्य बहूनि च । सेतिहासपुराणानि धर्मशास्त्राणि सर्वश: ॥ २५ ॥ अदान्तस्याविनीतस्य वृथा पण्डितमानिन: । न गुणाय भवन्ति स्म नटस्येवाजितात्मन: ॥ २६ ॥
ṛṣer bhagavato bhūtvā śiṣyo ’dhītya bahūni ca setihāsa-purāṇāni dharma-śāstrāṇi sarvaśaḥ
Although he is a disciple of the divine sage Vyāsa and has thoroughly learned many scriptures from him, including the lawbooks of religious duties and the epic histories and Purāṇas, all this study has not produced good qualities in him. Rather, his study of the scriptures is like an actor’s studying his part, for he is not self-controlled or humble and vainly presumes himself a scholarly authority, though he has failed to conquer his own mind.
One might argue that Romaharṣaṇa committed an innocent mistake when he failed to recognize Lord Balarāma, but such an argument is refuted here by Lord Balarāma’s strong criticism.
FAQs
This verse acknowledges deep scriptural study, but implies that learning alone is not sufficient unless it transforms one’s character and discipline.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks to King Parīkṣit while narrating events around Śiśupāla’s fate, highlighting that mere erudition does not guarantee virtue.
Study should be paired with humility, self-restraint, and lived practice; otherwise, knowledge remains theoretical and fails to elevate conduct.