Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 26
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
श्रीयदुरुवाच कुतो बुद्धिरियं ब्रह्मन्नकर्तु: सुविशारदा । यामासाद्य भवाल्लोकं विद्वांश्चरति बालवत् ॥ २६ ॥
śrī-yadur uvāca kuto buddhir iyaṁ brahmann akartuḥ su-viśāradā yām āsādya bhavāl lokaṁ vidvāṁś carati bāla-vat
Śrī Yadu said: O brāhmaṇa, I see that you are not engaged in any practical religious activity, and yet you have acquired a most expert understanding of all things and all people within this world. Kindly tell me, sir, how did you acquire this extraordinary intelligence, and why are you traveling freely throughout the world behaving as if you were a child?
FAQs
This verse notes that a truly learned sage may appear outwardly simple or childlike (bāla-vat), indicating freedom from social posturing and ego-driven identity.
Yadu was astonished that someone seemingly inactive and detached (akartuḥ) possessed extraordinary discernment, so he asked the source of such wisdom—opening the door to the Avadhuta’s teachings.
Cultivate inner learning and clarity without craving recognition—do your duties without ego, and keep a simple, humble demeanor even when knowledgeable.