Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 2
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
ग्रासं सुमृष्टं विरसं महान्तं स्तोकमेव वा । यदृच्छयैवापतितं ग्रसेदाजगरोऽक्रिय: ॥ २ ॥
grāsaṁ su-mṛṣṭaṁ virasaṁ mahāntaṁ stokam eva vā yadṛcchayaivāpatitaṁ grased ājagaro ’kriyaḥ
Following the example of the python, one should give up material endeavors and accept for one’s maintenance food that comes of its own accord, whether such food be delicious or tasteless, ample or meager.
FAQs
In this verse, ajagara-vṛtti means not anxiously striving for food or comfort, but accepting whatever comes naturally—whether good or bad—while remaining peaceful and free from fruitive agitation.
Because the teaching emphasizes freedom from compulsive material endeavor and anxiety; the sage maintains inner spiritual activity (remembrance and realization) while avoiding restless, desire-driven action.
Practice contentment and reduce unnecessary craving: do your essential duties calmly, but stop obsessing over outcomes; accept gains and losses with steadiness and keep spiritual priorities—bhakti, japa, and sādhana—at the center.