Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Avadhūta’s Further Teachers: Detachment, Solitude, One-Pointed Meditation, and the Lord as Āśraya
उभयोरप्यभूद् घोषो ह्यवघ्नन्त्या: स्वशङ्खयो: । तत्राप्येकं निरभिददेकस्मान्नाभवद् ध्वनि: ॥ ८ ॥
ubhayor apy abhūd ghoṣo hy avaghnantyāḥ sva-śaṅkhayoḥ tatrāpy ekaṁ nirabhidad ekasmān nābhavad dhvaniḥ
Yet as she continued husking, the two bracelets on each wrist still struck together and made noise. So she removed one from each arm; with only one left on each wrist, there was no sound at all.
FAQs
This verse illustrates that companionship and crowding often create disturbance, while simplicity and solitude foster quietness and steadiness of mind—supporting a life of detachment and spiritual focus.
In the Avadhūta’s teachings, Piṅgalā exemplifies renunciation born from realization: by turning away from restless worldly expectation, one finds inner peace—symbolized here by removing noisy bracelets until only one remains.
Reduce unnecessary social noise, distractions, and competing influences; keep life simple, choose uplifting association, and create quiet space for prayer, japa, and reflection—like the single bracelet that remains soundless.