Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 1
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
श्रीनारद उवाच कल्पस्त्वेवं परिव्रज्य देहमात्रावशेषित: । ग्रामैकरात्रविधिना निरपेक्षश्चरेन्महीम् ॥ १ ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca kalpas tv evaṁ parivrajya deha-mātrāvaśeṣitaḥ grāmaika-rātra-vidhinā nirapekṣaś caren mahīm
Śrī Nārada Muni said: A person able to cultivate spiritual knowledge should renounce all material connections, and merely keeping the body inhabitable, he should travel from one place to another, passing only one night in each village. In this way, without dependence in regard to the needs of the body, the sannyāsī should travel all over the world.
FAQs
This verse says a renunciant should wander freely, keep only what maintains the body, remain independent of others, and stay only one night in a village to avoid attachment.
To prevent forming new social ties, comforts, and dependence—attachments that can distract a renunciant from single-minded spiritual practice.
Reduce unnecessary needs, avoid lifestyle inflation, and cultivate inner steadiness so spiritual practice doesn’t rely on constant external comfort, praise, or support.