Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 16
Purūravā’s Song of Renunciation and the Glory of Sādhu-saṅga
बोधितस्यापि देव्या मे सूक्तवाक्येन दुर्मते: । मनोगतो महामोहो नापयात्यजितात्मन: ॥ १६ ॥
bodhitasyāpi devyā me sūkta-vākyena durmateḥ mano-gato mahā-moho nāpayāty ajitātmanaḥ
Bien que la déesse Urvaśī m’ait averti par des paroles sages et bien tournées, ma raison émoussée et mes sens indomptés firent que la grande illusion de mon esprit ne s’en alla pas.
As described in the Ninth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the goddess Urvaśī plainly told Purūravā that he should never trust women or believe their promises. Despite this frank advice, he became fully attached and thus suffered great mental anguish.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even excellent instruction may not remove deep delusion if one has not conquered the mind and senses; self-mastery is essential for wisdom to take effect.
He emphasizes that the root problem is ajitātmā—an unconquered inner self. Without discipline and detachment, the mind clings to illusion even when truth is clearly spoken.
Don’t rely only on advice or inspiration—pair it with daily restraint and practice (e.g., regulating habits, avoiding triggers, steady sādhana). Then knowledge can actually transform the mind.