Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 10
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
यस्त्वेतत् कृच्छ्रतश्चीर्णं तपो नि:श्रेयसं महत् । कामायाल्पीयसे युञ्ज्याद् बालिश: कोऽपरस्तत: ॥ १० ॥
yas tv etat kṛcchrataś cīrṇaṁ tapo niḥśreyasaṁ mahat kāmāyālpīyase yuñjyād bāliśaḥ ko ’paras tataḥ
Celui qui, au prix d’un long effort, accomplit cette austérité pénible mais sublime, dispensatrice de la libération ultime, et l’emploie pour un plaisir des sens insignifiant, doit être tenu pour le plus grand des insensés; qui serait plus sot que lui ?
Although the process of vānaprastha described by Lord Kṛṣṇa is so glorious that even the consolation prize is promotion to Maharloka, one who consciously performs this process for such promotion to heaven is certainly the greatest fool. The Lord does not want this process to be abused or exploited by materialistic rascals, for the ultimate goal is love of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse says that using hard-won austerity meant for the highest welfare (niḥśreyasa, liberation) for small sense desires is extreme foolishness.
In the Uddhava Gītā section on renunciation, Krishna teaches that tapas and spiritual discipline must aim at the supreme goal—freedom and devotion—not at temporary pleasures.
Treat spiritual practices (japa, fasting, discipline, study) as tools for inner purification and bhakti—avoid using them mainly for status, power, or quick material gains.