Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 32
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
अहो मयात्मा परितापितो वृथा साङ्केत्यवृत्त्यातिविगर्ह्यवार्तया । स्त्रैणान्नराद् यार्थतृषोऽनुशोच्यात् क्रीतेन वित्तं रतिमात्मनेच्छती ॥ ३२ ॥
aho mayātmā paritāpito vṛthā sāṅketya-vṛttyāti-vigarhya-vārtayā straiṇān narād yārtha-tṛṣo ’nuśocyāt krītena vittaṁ ratim ātmanecchatī
Hélas, j’ai inutilement torturé mon âme ! Par le métier le plus abject de prostituée, j’ai vendu mon corps à des hommes lubriques et cupides, espérant argent et plaisir charnel ; à présent je m’en repens.
The art of prostitution is based on awakening the enjoying propensity in men. Apparently this prostitute was so foolish that she maintained a romantic conception of her profession and was actually trying to enjoy loving affairs with her customers, not realizing that they were the lowest of men with the most abominable motives. Like the prostitute Piṅgalā, one should understand that by giving up the devotional service of the Lord one simply becomes a victim of the illusory energy and suffers greatly.
FAQs
This verse condemns the attempt to obtain pleasure through a lusty partner and through money, calling it a pitiable, self-tormenting pursuit that brings suffering rather than fulfillment.
Piṅgalā is awakening to discrimination and detachment; by honestly judging her past choices, she turns her mind away from dependence on men and wealth and toward inner freedom.
Recognize when pleasure-seeking is degrading or anxiety-producing, stop outsourcing happiness to people or possessions, and redirect effort toward inner stability, devotion, and meaningful living.