Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 53
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
ग्रहानिमित्तं सुखदु:खयोश्चेत् किमात्मनोऽजस्य जनस्य ते वै । ग्रहैर्ग्रहस्यैववदन्तिपीडां क्रुध्येत कस्मैपुरुषस्ततोऽन्य: ॥ ५३ ॥
grahā nimittaṁ sukha-duḥkhayoś cet kim ātmano ’jasya janasya te vai grahair grahasyaiva vadanti pīḍāṁ krudhyeta kasmai puruṣas tato ’nyaḥ
And if we examine the hypothesis that the planets are the immediate cause of suffering and happiness, then also where is the relationship with the soul, who is eternal? After all, the effect of the planets applies only to things that have taken birth. Expert astrologers have moreover explained how the planets are only causing pain to each other. Therefore, since the living entity is distinct from these planets and from the material body, against whom should he vent his anger?
FAQs
This verse says that even if one attributes happiness and distress to planetary influence, such effects pertain to the material body-mind, not to the unborn Self; therefore one should not fall into anger or blame.
King Yadu approached the Avadhuta to learn the secret of his inner freedom; Dattatreya teaches him detachment by showing that real identity is the Self, untouched by external causes like planets.
When facing stress or misfortune, avoid blaming fate or others; focus on steady spiritual identity, regulate the mind, and respond with clarity and devotion rather than anger.