Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 35
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
अन्नं च भैक्ष्यसम्पन्नं भुञ्जानस्य सरित्तटे । मूत्रयन्ति च पापिष्ठा: ष्ठीवन्त्यस्य च मूर्धनि ॥ ३५ ॥
annaṁ ca bhaikṣya-sampannaṁ bhuñjānasya sarit-taṭe mūtrayanti ca pāpiṣṭhāḥ ṣṭhīvanty asya ca mūrdhani
When he was sitting on the bank of a river about to partake of the food that he had collected by his begging, such sinful rascals would come and pass urine on it, and they would dare to spit on his head.
FAQs
This verse shows the Avadhūta enduring extreme humiliation without abandoning his inner steadiness, illustrating that tolerance (titikṣā) supports renunciation and spiritual realization.
To highlight the Avadhūta’s complete detachment and the degraded behavior of the impious, emphasizing that a realized soul remains unaffected by external dishonor.
When criticized or disrespected, practice restraint and non-reactivity, protect your sādhana, and keep your identity rooted in the soul rather than public opinion.