Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
मैवं स्युर्मन्दभाग्याया: क्लेशा निर्वेदहेतव: । येनानुबन्धं निर्हृत्य पुरुष: शममृच्छति ॥ ३८ ॥
maivaṁ syur manda-bhāgyāyāḥ kleśā nirveda-hetavaḥ yenānubandhaṁ nirhṛtya puruṣaḥ śamam ṛcchati
A person who has developed detachment can give up the bondage of material society, friendship and love, and a person who undergoes great suffering gradually becomes, out of hopelessness, detached and indifferent to the material world. Thus, due to my great suffering, such detachment awoke in my heart; yet how could I have undergone such merciful suffering if I were actually unfortunate? Therefore, I am in fact fortunate and have received the mercy of the Lord. He must somehow or other be pleased with me.
FAQs
This verse explains that suffering becomes spiritually useful only when it produces detachment; then one can uproot material entanglement and attain peace.
Pingalā’s experience shows how disappointment in worldly hope can transform into nirveda (disenchantment), becoming a gateway to inner peace and spiritual clarity.
Use setbacks to reduce dependence on external validation and sense enjoyment; consciously cut the habits and attachments that bind the mind, and cultivate steady spiritual practice for lasting peace.