Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 16
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
यशो यशस्विनां शुद्धं श्लाघ्या ये गुणिनां गुणा: । लोभ: स्वल्पोऽपि तान् हन्ति श्वित्रो रूपमिवेप्सितम् ॥ १६ ॥
yaśo yaśasvināṁ śuddhaṁ ślāghyā ye guṇināṁ guṇāḥ lobhaḥ sv-alpo ’pi tān hanti śvitro rūpam ivepsitam
The pure fame of the renowned and the praiseworthy virtues of the virtuous are destroyed by even a little greed, just as a trace of white leprosy ruins desired beauty.
FAQs
This verse warns that even a small amount of greed can ruin one’s good qualities and reputation—like a blemish that spoils beauty—so a seeker must uproot greed to protect dharma and spiritual progress.
In the Uddhava Gītā portion of Canto 11, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on renunciation and inner purity; this verse highlights greed as a subtle but powerful obstacle that can undo genuine virtue.
Guard against “small” compromises driven by greed—money, status, or recognition—because they can erode character; practice contentment, honest earning, and offering results to God to keep one’s conduct and name clean.