Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 4
Nimi’s Disembodied Liberation and the Rise of the Mithilā (Videha) Dynasty
शिष्यव्यतिक्रमं वीक्ष्य तं निर्वर्त्यागतो गुरु: । अशपत् पतताद् देहो निमे: पण्डितमानिन: ॥ ४ ॥
śiṣya-vyatikramaṁ vīkṣya taṁ nirvartyāgato guruḥ aśapat patatād deho nimeḥ paṇḍita-māninaḥ
Voyant la désobéissance du disciple, le maître Vasiṣṭha revint après avoir achevé le sacrifice et le maudit : « Que le corps de Nimi, qui se croit savant, tombe sur-le-champ. »
FAQs
This verse condemns paṇḍita-māna (pride of scholarship): Nimi’s self-conceit and overstepping of discipline leads to a severe consequence, showing that learning without humility becomes a cause of downfall.
Because the guru saw a breach of proper disciple conduct (śiṣya-vyatikrama). After completing the ritual, he cursed Nimi, indicating that spiritual etiquette and respect for the guru are integral to dharma.
Even with education or expertise, one should remain humble, honor teachers and mentors, and avoid ego-driven decisions—otherwise knowledge can become the very cause of conflict and loss.