Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 31
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
श्रीभगवानुवाच इत्यभिप्रेत्य मनसा ह्यावन्त्यो द्विजसत्तम: । उन्मुच्य हृदयग्रन्थीन् शान्तो भिक्षुरभून्मुनि: ॥ ३१ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca ity abhipretya manasā hy āvantyo dvija-sattamaḥ unmucya hṛdaya-granthīn śānto bhikṣur abhūn muniḥ
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa continued: His mind thus determined, that most excellent Avantī brāhmaṇa was able to untie the knots of desire within his heart. He then assumed the role of a peaceful and silent sannyāsī mendicant.
FAQs
In this verse, “hṛdaya-granthi” refers to deep inner attachments—false identification, possessiveness, and material desires—which the Avanti brāhmaṇa releases, becoming peaceful and fit for spiritual life.
After internally understanding the lesson of his suffering and detaching from worldly dependence, he chose the life of a mendicant to cultivate peace, realization, and freedom from material entanglement.
Practice detachment by reducing possessiveness, accepting life’s reversals without resentment, and centering daily life on spiritual discipline—such as sincere prayer, study, and self-control—so the mind becomes peaceful.