Shloka 38
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa Receives Kṛṣṇa’s Mercy
The Gift of Flat Rice
इत्थं व्यवसितो बुद्ध्या भक्तोऽतीव जनार्दने । विषयान् जायया त्यक्ष्यन्बुभुजे नातिलम्पट: ॥ ३८ ॥
itthaṁ vyavasito buddhyā bhakto ’tīva janārdane viṣayān jāyayā tyakṣyan bubhuje nāti-lampaṭaḥ
Thus, with his resolve firmly fixed by spiritual intelligence, Sudāmā remained utterly devoted to Janārdana, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the shelter of all beings. Free from greed, he enjoyed with his wife the sense pleasures bestowed upon him, always cherishing the intention to renounce all such gratification in the end.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a devotee, fixed in devotion to Lord Janārdana, can renounce excessive sense enjoyment—even while connected with family—and live simply without greed.
In the Sudāmā narrative, Śukadeva emphasizes Sudāmā’s deep devotion to Kṛṣṇa and his firm intelligence, showing that true bhakti naturally brings detachment from material enjoyment.
Cultivate steady devotion and clear priorities, reduce unnecessary indulgence, and live contentedly with what is needed—without letting consumption and desire drive one’s decisions.