Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 26
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
आगतेष्वपयातेषु सा सङ्केतोपजीविनी । अप्यन्यो वित्तवान् कोऽपि मामुपैष्यति भूरिद: ॥ २५ ॥ एवं दुराशया ध्वस्तनिद्रा द्वार्यवलम्बती । निर्गच्छन्ती प्रविशती निशीथं समपद्यत ॥ २६ ॥
āgateṣv apayāteṣu sā saṅketopajīvinī apy anyo vittavān ko ’pi mām upaiṣyati bhūri-daḥ
Parmi ceux qui venaient et repartaient, elle, qui vivait de ce métier, se disait : « Peut-être qu’un autre, riche, viendra à moi et donnera beaucoup. » Par cet espoir vain, le sommeil la quitta ; appuyée au seuil, tantôt elle sortait, tantôt elle rentrait, jusqu’à ce que minuit arrive.
FAQs
This verse shows the mind’s pattern of clinging to hope—expecting a “generous wealthy man”—which keeps one bound to anxiety and dependence on external gain.
Pingalā is a courtesan whose disappointment becomes the turning point for renunciation; her story is used as a practical illustration of vairāgya (detachment).
Notice the habit of waiting for the “next opportunity” to fulfill desire; reducing such expectation and turning inward helps cultivate peace and self-respect.