Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 37
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
भूतैराक्रम्यमाणोऽपि धीरो दैववशानुगै: । तद् विद्वान्न चलेन्मार्गादन्वशिक्षं क्षितेर्व्रतम् ॥ ३७ ॥
bhūtair ākramyamāṇo ’pi dhīro daiva-vaśānugaiḥ tad vidvān na calen mārgād anvaśikṣaṁ kṣiter vratam
L’homme ferme, même harcelé par d’autres êtres, doit comprendre que ses agresseurs agissent, impuissants, sous la souveraineté de Dieu ; ainsi ne doit-il pas dévier de sa propre voie. Ce vœu, je l’ai appris de la terre.
The earth is the symbol of tolerance. By deep oil-drilling, atomic explosions, pollution, and so on, the earth is constantly harassed by demoniac living entities. Sometimes lush forests are cut down by greedy men with commercial interests, and thus a wasteland is created. Sometimes the earth’s surface is soaked by the blood of soldiers fighting in savage warfare. Yet, despite all these disturbances, the earth continues to provide all the necessities of the living beings. In this way one may learn the art of tolerance by studying the earth.
FAQs
In 11.7.37, the Avadhūta teaches that even when one is harmed by others who act under destiny, a wise person should not abandon the righteous path, learning steadfast tolerance from the earth.
King Yadu asked about the Avadhūta’s unusual peace and wisdom; the Avadhūta replies by listing gurus found in nature, and here he explains what he learned from the earth—endurance and unwavering adherence to dharma despite being mistreated.
Recognize that many actions arise from people’s conditioning and circumstances, remain calm, and keep your principles—responding with firmness and integrity rather than abandoning your values due to provocation.