Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 34
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
केचित्त्रिवेणुं जगृहुरेके पात्रं कमण्डलुम् । पीठं चैकेऽक्षसूत्रं च कन्थां चीराणि केचन । प्रदाय च पुनस्तानि दर्शितान्याददुर्मुने: ॥ ३४ ॥
kecit tri-veṇuṁ jagṛhur eke pātraṁ kamaṇḍalum pīṭhaṁ caike ’kṣa-sūtraṁ ca kanthāṁ cīrāṇi kecana pradāya ca punas tāni darśitāny ādadur muneḥ
Some would seize his tri-veṇu staff, and some would take the kamandalu he used as his begging bowl. Some stole his deerskin seat, some his japa beads, and some his torn, ragged cloth. Showing these items to him, they would pretend to return them, only to hide them again.
FAQs
This verse illustrates how the avadhūta sage is tested by people who repeatedly snatch his renunciant items; the teaching is to remain steady and unattached even when others provoke, mock, or deprive one of externals.
They were taken to harass and test the sage, highlighting society’s tendency to ridicule holiness; the narrative emphasizes that a true saint’s realization does not depend on possessions or external symbols.
Practice not basing your peace on external things—status, devices, money, or praise—so that even if they are lost, criticized, or taken away, your inner composure and devotion remain intact.