Shloka 25
Kṛṣṇa Kills Dantavakra; Balarāma’s Pilgrimage and the Slaying of Romaharṣaṇa
ऋषेर्भगवतो भूत्वा शिष्योऽधीत्य बहूनि च । सेतिहासपुराणानि धर्मशास्त्राणि सर्वश: ॥ २५ ॥ अदान्तस्याविनीतस्य वृथा पण्डितमानिन: । न गुणाय भवन्ति स्म नटस्येवाजितात्मन: ॥ २६ ॥
ṛṣer bhagavato bhūtvā śiṣyo ’dhītya bahūni ca setihāsa-purāṇāni dharma-śāstrāṇi sarvaśaḥ
Bien qu'il soit un disciple du sage divin Vyāsa et qu'il ait appris à fond de nombreuses écritures de lui, y compris les livres de loi des devoirs religieux et les histoires épiques et les Purāṇas, toute cette étude n'a pas produit de bonnes qualités en lui.
One might argue that Romaharṣaṇa committed an innocent mistake when he failed to recognize Lord Balarāma, but such an argument is refuted here by Lord Balarāma’s strong criticism.
FAQs
This verse begins the point that even extensive study under a great sage does not bear real spiritual fruit if inner discipline and character are lacking.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this instruction while narrating the events of Canto 10, Chapter 78.
Along with study, cultivate self-restraint, respectful conduct, and sincere practice—otherwise knowledge tends to remain theoretical and ego-driven.