Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 9
Avadhūta’s Further Teachers: Detachment, Solitude, One-Pointed Meditation, and the Lord as Āśraya
अन्वशिक्षमिमं तस्या उपदेशमरिन्दम । लोकाननुचरन्नेतान् लोकतत्त्वविवित्सया ॥ ९ ॥
anvaśikṣam imaṁ tasyā upadeśam arindama lokān anucarann etān loka-tattva-vivitsayā
Ô dompteur de l’ennemi, désireux de connaître la vérité de ce monde, je parcours la terre en observant ses voies; et c’est ainsi que j’ai vu de mes propres yeux l’enseignement de cette jeune fille.
The brāhmaṇa sage here explains to King Yadu that he is not presenting theoretical knowledge. Rather, by wandering throughout the world the observant and thoughtful brāhmaṇa has personally experienced the lessons learned from all of the above-mentioned gurus. Thus, instead of posing himself to be omniscient like God, he humbly explains that he has faithfully learned these lessons in his travels.
FAQs
This verse shows that a realized saint learns from genuine instruction and then verifies it by observing worldly life, seeking to understand its underlying reality rather than being captivated by appearances.
He explains to King Yadu that his wandering was for realizing and confirming the truth of worldly existence (loka-tattva), using life itself as a field of insight after receiving essential instruction.
Receive guidance from authentic sources, then consciously observe daily experiences to discern what is temporary versus meaningful—cultivating clarity, detachment, and steady spiritual priorities.