Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 23
Karma, Jñāna, and Bhakti: Vedic Dharma, Piety and Sin, and the Boat of Human Life
निर्विण्णस्य विरक्तस्य पुरुषस्योक्तवेदिन: । मनस्त्यजति दौरात्म्यं चिन्तितस्यानुचिन्तया ॥ २३ ॥
nirviṇṇasya viraktasya puruṣasyokta-vedinaḥ manas tyajati daurātmyaṁ cintitasyānucintayā
Quand un homme, écœuré par la nature passagère et illusoire de ce monde, s’en détache, son esprit, guidé par les instructions du maître spirituel, médite sans cesse sur l’état du monde et finit par renoncer à la fausse identification à la matière.
Although it is difficult to control the mind, by constant practice the mind can be spiritualized in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. A sincere disciple constantly remembers the instructions of his spiritual master and thereby faces again and again the stark truth that the material world is not the ultimate reality. By detachment and perseverance the mind gradually gives up its propensity toward sense gratification; thus illusion loses its grip on a sincere Kṛṣṇa conscious devotee. Gradually the purified mind completely gives up the false identification with this world and transfers its attention to the spiritual platform. Then one is considered to be perfect in the yoga system.
FAQs
This verse explains that when one is genuinely disenchanted and detached, the mind abandons its impure, crooked tendencies through repeated contemplation of the rightly understood spiritual teaching.
In Canto 11, Krishna instructs Uddhava on liberation and devotional life; here He emphasizes that true detachment plus steady reflection on realized instruction reforms the mind from within.
Regularly revisit and reflect on core spiritual teachings—through daily study, japa, and mindful remembrance—so the mind gradually drops harmful habits and becomes aligned with higher values.