Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
बुधो बालकवत् क्रीडेत् कुशलो जडवच्चरेत् । वदेदुन्मत्तवद् विद्वान् गोचर्यां नैगमश्चरेत् ॥ २९ ॥
budho bālaka-vat krīḍet kuśalo jaḍa-vac caret vaded unmatta-vad vidvān go-caryāṁ naigamaś caret
Bien qu’il soit très sage, le paramahaṁsa doit se réjouir comme un enfant; bien que très habile, se conduire comme un simple; bien que très savant, parler comme un fou; et bien qu’instruit des règles védiques, vivre sans entraves.
A paramahaṁsa-sannyāsī, fearing that his mind may be deviated by the tremendous prestige that people sometimes offer to a perfectly self-realized person, conceals his position as described in this verse. A self-realized person does not try to please the mass of people, nor does he desire social prestige, since the mission of his life is to remain detached from the material world and to always please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although neglecting ordinary rules and regulations, a paramahaṁsa does not ever become sinful or immoral, but rather neglects ritualistic aspects of religious custom, such as dressing in a particular way, performing certain ceremonies or executing specific penances and austerities.
FAQs
In 11.18.29, Kṛṣṇa advises that a wise renunciant may outwardly appear childlike, dull, or even mad, so he can remain free from social entanglement, pride, and distraction while maintaining inner realization.
Kṛṣṇa was teaching Uddhava the path of liberation and devotion after worldly duties—showing how a realized person avoids fame, argument, and attachment by adopting humble, non-provocative external behavior.
Practice humility and non-display: avoid showing off knowledge, reduce unnecessary debate, live simply, and keep spiritual practice steady—letting inner devotion and detachment grow without seeking social validation.