Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 19
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
बहिर्जलाशयं गत्वा तत्रोपस्पृश्य वाग्यत: । विभज्य पावितं शेषं भुञ्जीताशेषमाहृतम् ॥ १९ ॥
bahir jalāśayaṁ gatvā tatropaspṛśya vāg-yataḥ vibhajya pāvitaṁ śeṣaṁ bhuñjītāśeṣam āhṛtam
Taking the food gathered by begging, one should leave the inhabited area for a secluded waterside. There, after bathing and thoroughly washing the hands, remaining silent, one should share portions with any who ask. Then, having purified what remains, one should eat all that was brought, leaving nothing for later.
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura explains that a saintly person should not argue or quarrel with materialistic persons who may request or demand part of his foodstuff. The word vibhajya indicates that one should give something to such persons to avoid disturbance, and then, offering the remnants to Lord Viṣṇu, one should eat everything on one’s plate, without saving food for the future. The word bahiḥ indicates that one should not eat in a public place, and vāg-yata indicates that one should eat silently, meditating upon the Lord’s mercy.
FAQs
This verse instructs a renunciant to purify himself at a water source, restrain speech, and accept food without waste—showing cleanliness, discipline, and simplicity.
In the Uddhava-gītā context, Krishna teaches that controlling speech supports inner steadiness, reduces distraction, and strengthens renunciation and devotion.
Maintain daily cleanliness, practice mindful or minimal speech, honor sanctified food (prasāda) without waste, and cultivate gratitude and simplicity.