Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
सोऽहं कालावशेषेण शोषयिष्येऽङ्गमात्मन: । अप्रमत्तोऽखिलस्वार्थे यदि स्यात् सिद्ध आत्मनि ॥ २९ ॥
so ’haṁ kālāvaśeṣeṇa śoṣayiṣye ’ṅgam ātmanaḥ apramatto ’khila-svārthe yadi syāt siddha ātmani
If there is any time remaining in my life, I will perform austerities and force my body to subsist on the bare necessities. Without further confusion I shall pursue that which constitutes my entire self-interest in life, and I shall remain satisfied within the self.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should remain vigilant and detached, allowing the body to naturally decline with time while focusing on perfected Self-realization as the real success of life.
In his instruction, Dattātreya emphasizes vairāgya: the body is temporary and governed by time, so a wise person concentrates on realization of the Self rather than bodily maintenance or fear.
Live consciously: reduce obsession with comfort and status, keep steady spiritual practice, and remember that time is limited—so prioritize inner realization and devotion over temporary gains.