Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 41
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
प्रतिग्रहं मन्यमानस्तपस्तेजोयशोनुदम् । अन्याभ्यामेव जीवेत शिलैर्वा दोषदृक् तयो: ॥ ४१ ॥
pratigrahaṁ manyamānas tapas-tejo-yaśo-nudam anyābhyām eva jīveta śilair vā doṣa-dṛk tayoḥ
Le brāhmaṇa qui estime que recevoir l’aumône d’autrui détruit son austérité, sa puissance spirituelle et sa renommée doit subsister grâce aux deux autres devoirs brahmaniques : enseigner le savoir védique et accomplir les sacrifices. Si même ces deux activités lui semblent nuire à sa condition spirituelle, qu’il glane les grains rejetés dans les champs et les marchés et vive sans dépendre de quiconque.
A pure devotee of the Lord should always remember that the Supreme Personality of Godhead will personally take care of him. As the Lord states in Bhagavad-gītā (9.22) :
FAQs
This verse states that accepting gifts can undermine austerity, spiritual potency, and reputation; therefore a renunciant should avoid dependence on gifts and live by simpler, less entangling means.
In the Uddhava Gita, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on varṇāśrama-dharma, including the conduct of a sannyāsī; here He emphasizes non-dependence and purity by discouraging gift-acceptance that can create obligation and attachment.
Keep spiritual practice free from hidden obligations: simplify needs, avoid compromising integrity for favors, and choose honest, low-attachment support systems that protect one’s character and focus.