Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 20
The Forest of Material Existence: Jaḍa Bharata Instructs King Rahūgaṇa
रहूगण त्वमपि ह्यध्वनोऽस्य सन्न्यस्तदण्ड: कृतभूतमैत्र: । असज्जितात्मा हरिसेवया शितं ज्ञानासिमादाय तरातिपारम् ॥ २० ॥
rahūgaṇa tvam api hy adhvano ’sya sannyasta-daṇḍaḥ kṛta-bhūta-maitraḥ asaj-jitātmā hari-sevayā śitaṁ jñānāsim ādāya tarāti-pāram
My dear King Rahūgaṇa, you are also a victim of the external energy, being situated on the path of attraction to material pleasure. So that you may become an equal friend to all living entities, I now advise you to give up your kingly position and the rod by which you punish criminals. Give up attraction to the sense objects and take up the sword of knowledge sharpened by devotional service. Then you will be able to cut the hard knot of illusory energy and cross to the other side of the ocean of nescience.
In Bhagavad-gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa compares the material world to a tree of illusion from which one must cut oneself free:
FAQs
This verse says one crosses material existence by serving Hari, cultivating detachment and compassion, and wielding the sharp sword of true knowledge.
Rahūgaṇa approached Bharata after realizing his own pride; Bharata then taught him the path of liberation—renunciation, kindness to all beings, and devotion to Hari.
Practice non-harm and goodwill in daily dealings, reduce identity-based pride and possessiveness, and anchor your actions in devotional service and spiritual study that sharpens discernment.