Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 19
Ṛṣabhadeva’s Enthronement, Exemplary Household Life, and the Birth of Bharata and the Nine Yogendras
स कदाचिदटमानो भगवानृषभो ब्रह्मावर्तगतो ब्रह्मर्षिप्रवरसभायां प्रजानां निशामयन्तीनामात्मजानवहितात्मन: प्रश्रयप्रणयभरसुयन्त्रितानप्युपशिक्षयन्निति होवाच ॥ १९ ॥
sa kadācid aṭamāno bhagavān ṛṣabho brahmāvarta-gato brahmarṣi-pravara-sabhāyāṁ prajānāṁ niśāmayantīnām ātmajān avahitātmanaḥ praśraya-praṇaya-bhara-suyantritān apy upaśikṣayann iti hovāca.
Once while touring the world, Lord Ṛṣabhadeva, the Supreme Lord, reached a place known as Brahmāvarta. There was a great conference of learned brāhmaṇas at that place, and all the King’s sons attentively heard the instructions of the brāhmaṇas there. At that assembly, within the hearing of the citizens, Ṛṣabhadeva instructed His sons, although they were already very well-behaved, devoted and qualified. He instructed them so that in the future they could rule the world very perfectly. Thus he spoke as follows.
The instructions of Lord Ṛṣabhadeva to His sons are very valuable if one wants to live peacefully within this world, which is full of miseries. In the next chapter, Lord Ṛṣabhadeva gives His sons these valuable instructions.
FAQs
This verse highlights that Ṛṣabhadeva’s sons were attentive, self-controlled, and guided by humility and affectionate reverence—showing that genuine learning in bhakti begins with disciplined senses and a humble heart before the teacher and the Lord.
Even though they were already restrained and respectful, Ṛṣabhadeva continued instructing them to deepen their realization—indicating that spiritual education is progressive and meant to mature into steady devotion and detachment.
Cultivate “avahita-ātmanā”—focused attention—when hearing sacred teachings, and practice “praśraya”—humility—toward genuine wisdom; consistent, respectful hearing and self-restraint make spiritual growth steady even amid a busy life.