Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 58
Sāṅkhya Enumeration of Tattvas, Distinction of Puruṣa–Prakṛti, and the Mechanics of Birth and Death
क्षिप्तोऽवमानितोऽसद्भि: प्रलब्धोऽसूयितोऽथवा । ताडित: सन्निरुद्धो वा वृत्त्या वा परिहापित: ॥ ५८ ॥ निष्ठ्युतो मूत्रितो वाज्ञैर्बहुधैवं प्रकम्पित: । श्रेयस्काम: कृच्छ्रगत आत्मनात्मानमुद्धरेत् ॥ ५९ ॥
kṣipto ’vamānito ’sadbhiḥ pralabdho ’sūyito ’tha vā tāḍitaḥ sanniruddho vā vṛttyā vā parihāpitaḥ
Even though neglected, insulted, ridiculed or envied by bad men, or even though repeatedly agitated by being beaten, tied up or deprived of one’s occupation, spat upon or polluted with urine by ignorant people, one who desires the highest goal in life should in spite of all these difficulties use his intelligence to keep himself safe on the spiritual platform.
Throughout history many of the above-mentioned inconveniences have been experienced by devotees of the Lord. One who is advanced in God consciousness does not allow himself to become obsessed with the material body even in such conditions, but rather keeps the mind fixed on the spiritual platform through proper intelligence.
FAQs
In Canto 11, Krishna teaches that even when mocked, envied, beaten, restrained, or deprived of livelihood, a seeker of the highest good should remain steady and not be shattered by such treatment.
Krishna instructs Uddhava in the qualities of spiritual steadiness—remaining equipoised amid social abuse and material reversals—so that devotion and self-realization are not derailed by honor, dishonor, or fear.
Practice restraint in reaction, remember your spiritual goal, and avoid basing self-worth on others’ praise or blame; respond with dignity and keep your life anchored in devotion and inner discipline.