Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 11
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
यदासौ नियमेऽकल्पो जरया जातवेपथु: । आत्मन्यग्नीन् समारोप्य मच्चित्तोऽग्निं समाविशेत् ॥ ११ ॥
yadāsau niyame ’kalpo jarayā jāta-vepathuḥ ātmany agnīn samāropya mac-citto ’gniṁ samāviśet
Si le vānaprastha est saisi par la vieillesse et, tremblant, n’est plus capable d’accomplir ses devoirs prescrits, qu’il place par la méditation le feu sacrificiel dans son propre cœur. Puis, l’esprit fixé sur Moi, qu’il entre dans le feu et abandonne son corps.
Since the process of vānaprastha is recommended for those nearing the end of life, there is always the likelihood that one will prematurely succumb to the symptoms of old age and be unable to reach the final stage of sannyāsa. If one simply cannot carry on his religious duties due to old age, it is here advised that he fix the mind in Lord Kṛṣṇa and enter into the sacrificial fire. Although this may not be possible in the modern age, we can appreciate the absolute seriousness of going back home, back to Godhead, as evidenced in this verse.
FAQs
This verse says that when one can no longer maintain regulated observances due to old age, one should internalize the sacred fires (withdraw ritual duties) and fix the mind on Kṛṣṇa, preparing for the final transition with full God-consciousness.
Kṛṣṇa is instructing Uddhava on the path of renunciation and the proper completion of varṇāśrama duties, emphasizing that the essence of all stages is exclusive absorption in the Lord.
Gradually simplify obligations, deepen remembrance through japa, prayer, and hearing, and train the mind to rest in Kṛṣṇa so that detachment and devotion naturally mature as life’s strength declines.