Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 22
Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
एवं विकल्पितो राजन् विदुषा मुनिनापि स: । प्रश्रयावनतोऽभ्याह प्रजाकामस्ततो मुनिम् ॥ २२ ॥
evaṁ vikalpito rājan viduṣā munināpi saḥ praśrayāvanato ’bhyāha prajā-kāmas tato munim
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King Parīkṣit, though the great sage Aṅgirā knew everything, he questioned the king in this manner. Then King Citraketu, longing for a son, bowed down in deep humility and spoke to the sage as follows.
Since the face is the index to the mind, a saintly person can study the condition of one’s mind by seeing his face. When Aṅgirā Ṛṣi remarked about the King’s discolored face, King Citraketu explained the cause of his anxiety as follows.
FAQs
This verse shows that one should approach a saint with humility (praśraya) and respectful submission, especially when seeking clarity amid doubt.
Because he intensely desired progeny and, feeling perplexed and distressed, he sought the muni’s help by bowing down and addressing him respectfully.
When confused or burdened by strong desires, seek counsel from wise, spiritually grounded people with genuine humility rather than pride or argument.