Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 36
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
यतवाचं वाचयन्ति ताडयन्ति न वक्ति चेत् । तर्जयन्त्यपरे वाग्भि: स्तेनोऽयमिति वादिन: । बध्नन्ति रज्ज्वा तं केचिद् बध्यतां बध्यतामिति ॥ ३६ ॥
yata-vācaṁ vācayanti tāḍayanti na vakti cet tarjayanty apare vāgbhiḥ steno ’yam iti vādinaḥ badhnanti rajjvā taṁ kecid badhyatāṁ badhyatām iti
Aunque había hecho voto de silencio, intentaban obligarlo a hablar; y si no hablaba, lo golpeaban con palos. Otros lo increpaban: “¡Este hombre es un ladrón!” Y otros lo ataban con cuerdas, gritando: “¡Átenlo! ¡Átenlo!”
FAQs
This verse describes how an innocent, silent person may be abused, slandered as a thief, and even bound—illustrating the Bhagavatam’s teaching that a spiritually steady person tolerates worldly injustice without losing inner composure.
In Canto 11 Chapter 23, Śukadeva recounts the Avadhūta’s instruction to Yadu on renunciation and equanimity; this verse shows how society can misjudge and persecute, and why a wise person remains detached from public opinion.
When misunderstood or falsely blamed, avoid reactive speech and retaliation; keep integrity, seek lawful remedies if needed, and maintain spiritual steadiness through remembrance of the Lord and disciplined self-control.