Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 20
The Forest of Material Existence: Jaḍa Bharata Instructs King Rahūgaṇa
रहूगण त्वमपि ह्यध्वनोऽस्य सन्न्यस्तदण्ड: कृतभूतमैत्र: । असज्जितात्मा हरिसेवया शितं ज्ञानासिमादाय तरातिपारम् ॥ २० ॥
rahūgaṇa tvam api hy adhvano ’sya sannyasta-daṇḍaḥ kṛta-bhūta-maitraḥ asaj-jitātmā hari-sevayā śitaṁ jñānāsim ādāya tarāti-pāram
Mon cher roi Rahūgaṇa, toi aussi tu es victime de l’énergie externe, placé sur la voie de l’attrait des plaisirs matériels. Afin de devenir l’ami impartial de tous les êtres, je te conseille d’abandonner ta royauté et le bâton du châtiment. Renonce à l’attachement aux objets des sens et saisis l’épée de la connaissance, aiguisée par le service dévotionnel à Hari; tu trancheras ainsi le dur nœud de la māyā et franchiras l’océan de l’ignorance.
In Bhagavad-gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa compares the material world to a tree of illusion from which one must cut oneself free:
FAQs
This verse says one crosses material existence by serving Hari, cultivating detachment and compassion, and wielding the sharp sword of true knowledge.
Rahūgaṇa approached Bharata after realizing his own pride; Bharata then taught him the path of liberation—renunciation, kindness to all beings, and devotion to Hari.
Practice non-harm and goodwill in daily dealings, reduce identity-based pride and possessiveness, and anchor your actions in devotional service and spiritual study that sharpens discernment.