Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
अहो एष महासारो धृतिमान् गिरिराडिव । मौनेन साधयत्यर्थं बकवद् दृढनिश्चय: ॥ ३८ ॥ इत्येके विहसन्त्येनमेके दुर्वातयन्ति च । तं बबन्धुर्निरुरुधुर्यथा क्रीडनकं द्विजम् ॥ ३९ ॥
aho eṣa mahā-sāro dhṛtimān giri-rāḍ iva maunena sādhayaty arthaṁ baka-vad dṛḍha-niścayaḥ
Some would ridicule him by saying, “Just see this greatly powerful sage! He is as steadfast as the Himālaya Mountains. By practice of silence he strives for his goal with great determination, just like a heron.” Other persons would pass foul air upon him, and sometimes others would bind this twice-born brāhmaṇa in chains and keep him captive like a pet animal.
FAQs
This verse praises achieving one’s aim through silence—self-controlled restraint that protects one’s purpose and conserves inner strength.
The mountain image highlights unshakable steadiness, while the heron symbolizes quiet focus—remaining still and purposeful rather than scattered or reactive.
Reduce impulsive speech, stay calm under provocation, and keep firm commitment to your spiritual goal through disciplined daily practice.