Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 6
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
स्वयं सञ्चिनुयात् सर्वमात्मनो वृत्तिकारणम् । देशकालबलाभिज्ञो नाददीतान्यदाहृतम् ॥ ६ ॥
svayaṁ sañcinuyāt sarvam ātmano vṛtti-kāraṇam deśa-kāla-balābhijño nādadītānyadāhṛtam
The vānaprastha should personally gather whatever is needed to maintain his body, mindful of place, time, and his own strength. He should not store provisions for the future, nor accept what others have brought.
According to Vedic regulations, one practicing austerity should collect only what he requires for immediate use, and upon receiving gifts of foodstuff he should immediately give up that which he has previously collected, so that there will be no surplus. This regulation is meant to keep one fixed in faithful dependence on the Supreme Lord. One should never stock food or other bodily necessities for future use. The term deśa-kāla-balābhijña indicates that in a particularly difficult place, or in time of emergency or personal incapacity, this strict rule need not be followed, as confirmed by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa teaches that a renunciant should gather only what is necessary for maintenance, with discretion for place, time, and strength, and should avoid taking things procured by others.
Kṛṣṇa is giving Uddhava practical guidance on varṇāśrama and renunciation—how a detached person should live simply, ethically, and without dependence or exploitation.
Live within your means, take responsibility for your necessities, avoid benefiting from unethical gain, and practice simplicity—choosing what is appropriate to your situation rather than driven by greed.