Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 36
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
यतवाचं वाचयन्ति ताडयन्ति न वक्ति चेत् । तर्जयन्त्यपरे वाग्भि: स्तेनोऽयमिति वादिन: । बध्नन्ति रज्ज्वा तं केचिद् बध्यतां बध्यतामिति ॥ ३६ ॥
yata-vācaṁ vācayanti tāḍayanti na vakti cet tarjayanty apare vāgbhiḥ steno ’yam iti vādinaḥ badhnanti rajjvā taṁ kecid badhyatāṁ badhyatām iti
Obwohl er das Gelübde des Schweigens hielt, versuchten sie, ihn zum Sprechen zu bringen; sprach er nicht, schlugen sie ihn mit Stöcken. Andere schmähten ihn: „Dieser Mann ist ein Dieb!“ Und wieder andere banden ihn mit Seilen und schrien: „Bindet ihn! Bindet ihn!“
FAQs
This verse describes how an innocent, silent person may be abused, slandered as a thief, and even bound—illustrating the Bhagavatam’s teaching that a spiritually steady person tolerates worldly injustice without losing inner composure.
In Canto 11 Chapter 23, Śukadeva recounts the Avadhūta’s instruction to Yadu on renunciation and equanimity; this verse shows how society can misjudge and persecute, and why a wise person remains detached from public opinion.
When misunderstood or falsely blamed, avoid reactive speech and retaliation; keep integrity, seek lawful remedies if needed, and maintain spiritual steadiness through remembrance of the Lord and disciplined self-control.