Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 26
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
कस्मात् सङ्क्लिश्यते विद्वान् व्यर्थयार्थेहयासकृत् । कस्यचिन्मायया नूनं लोकोऽयं सुविमोहित: ॥ २६ ॥
kasmāt saṅkliśyate vidvān vyarthayārthehayāsakṛt kasyacin māyayā nūnaṁ loko ’yaṁ su-vimohitaḥ
Warum sollte ein kluger Mensch durch ständige, vergebliche Mühen um Reichtum leiden? Wahrlich, diese Welt ist durch jemandes illusorische Macht zutiefst betört.
FAQs
This verse says even the learned suffer when they repeatedly chase futile ends; such labor arises from deep bewilderment caused by māyā, which makes temporary goals appear meaningful.
Kṛṣṇa is guiding Uddhava toward detachment and clear discrimination; by identifying māyā as the cause of misguided striving, He redirects the seeker from fruitless effort to spiritual realization.
Perform duties, but stop expecting lasting fulfillment from temporary achievements; prioritize bhakti and inner clarity, and reduce compulsive overwork driven by ego, comparison, and endless acquisition.