Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 59
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 11.22.59, Kṛṣṇa teaches that even when one is abused, harmed, or degraded by ignorant people, a seeker of the highest good should remain steady and uplift oneself through inner discipline rather than retaliating.
Kṛṣṇa was preparing Uddhava for a life of renunciation and spiritual steadiness, emphasizing that real progress toward liberation depends on self-mastery amid provocation and suffering.
When facing ridicule, workplace injustice, or social hostility, practice restraint, avoid reactive anger, and return to sādhana—using clear intelligence and devotion to elevate the mind toward long-term spiritual welfare.