Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 25
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
व्यर्थयार्थेहया वित्तं प्रमत्तस्य वयो बलम् । कुशला येन सिध्यन्ति जरठ: किं नु साधये ॥ २५ ॥
vyarthayārthehayā vittaṁ pramattasya vayo balam kuśalā yena sidhyanti jaraṭhaḥ kiṁ nu sādhaye
বিবেচকরা ধন, যৌবন ও শক্তিকে সিদ্ধির জন্য কাজে লাগায়; কিন্তু আমি মোহগ্রস্ত হয়ে আরও ধনের বৃথা চেষ্টায় এগুলো নষ্ট করেছি। এখন আমি বৃদ্ধ—আর কী সাধন করব?
FAQs
This verse warns that futile chasing of worldly gain wastes one’s wealth, youth, and strength, and urges seeking the endeavor that brings real auspiciousness—spiritual welfare.
While instructing Yadu, the Avadhuta highlights the urgency of spiritual realization, showing how ordinary life is squandered by careless attachment and how one should instead pursue lasting good.
Audit where your time and energy go—reduce compulsive acquisition, and redirect resources toward sādhana, service, and remembrance of Bhagavān so that life’s prime years are not lost.