Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 2
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
श्रीभगवानुवाच बार्हस्पत्य स नास्त्यत्र साधुर्वै दुर्जनेरितै: । दुरक्तैर्भिन्नमात्मानं य: समाधातुमीश्वर: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca bārhaspatya sa nāsty atra sādhur vai durjaneritaiḥ duraktair bhinnam ātmānaṁ yaḥ samādhātum īśvaraḥ
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: O disciple of Bṛhaspati, in this world there is virtually no saintly person who can steady his own mind again after it has been disturbed by the insulting words of uncivilized men.
In the modern age there is widespread propaganda ridiculing the path of spiritual realization, and thus even saintly devotees are disturbed to see the progress of human society being obstructed. Still, a devotee of the Lord must tolerate any personal insult, though he cannot tolerate offense against the Lord Himself or the Lord’s pure devotee.
FAQs
In this verse, Lord Kṛṣṇa explains that it is extremely rare to find someone who can keep the mind steady when attacked by cruel, abusive speech—highlighting the need for tolerance and inner discipline.
Kṛṣṇa uses the epithet “Bārhaspatya” to address His listener respectfully by lineage—invoking Bṛhaspati’s association with wisdom—while teaching the difficult practice of remaining composed amid provocation.
When criticized or insulted, pause before reacting, observe the mind’s agitation, and respond (or remain silent) from steadiness—training tolerance and self-mastery rather than being controlled by others’ words.