Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 38
Kurukṣetra Pilgrimage: Sages Praise Kṛṣṇa; Vasudeva Inquires on Karma; Viṣṇu-yajña Performed
वित्तैषणां यज्ञदानैर्गृहैर्दारसुतैषणाम् । आत्मलोकैषणां देव कालेन विसृजेद्बुध: । ग्रामे त्यक्तैषणा: सर्वे ययुर्धीरास्तपोवनम् ॥ ३८ ॥
vittaiṣaṇāṁ yajña-dānair gṛhair dāra-sutaiṣaṇām ātma-lokaiṣaṇāṁ deva kālena visṛjed budhaḥ grāme tyaktaiṣaṇāḥ sarve yayur dhīrās tapo-vanam
An intelligent person should learn to renounce his desire for wealth by performing sacrifices and acts of charity. He should learn to renounce his desire for wife and children by experiencing family life. And he should learn to renounce his desire for promotion to a higher planet in his next life, O saintly Vasudeva, by studying the effects of time. Self-controlled sages who have thus renounced their attachment to household life go to the forest to perform austerities.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a wise person progressively abandons cravings—first for wealth through sacrifice and charity, then household attachment, and ultimately even subtle ambitions—moving toward a life centered on austerity and spiritual realization.
He emphasizes the classical Vedic progression from worldly life to deeper renunciation: when desires are relinquished, the sober-hearted seek an environment and lifestyle (tapasya) that supports exclusive spiritual practice and liberation.
Practice gradual renunciation: simplify consumption, give charity, reduce identity-based ambitions, and create a daily “tapo-vanam” through steady sādhana—japa, study, and service—while responsibly fulfilling duties.