Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
अव्यक्तलिङ्गो व्यक्तार्थो मनीष्युन्मत्तबालवत् । कविर्मूकवदात्मानं स दृष्टया दर्शयेन्नृणाम् ॥ १० ॥
avyakta-liṅgo vyaktārtho manīṣy unmatta-bālavat kavir mūkavad ātmānaṁ sa dṛṣṭyā darśayen nṛṇām
Même si un saint ne se montre pas au regard de la société, son dessein se dévoile par sa conduite. Aux yeux des hommes, qu’il paraisse comme un enfant agité; et bien qu’il soit le plus grand penseur et orateur, qu’il se présente comme un muet, laissant son être intérieur transparaître par son comportement.
A great personality very much advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness may not expose himself by the signs of a sannyāsī. To cover himself, he may live like a restless child or a dumb person, although he is the greatest orator or poet.
FAQs
This verse says a highly realized person may have no obvious external marks of holiness; he can remain inconspicuous while being firmly established in the highest spiritual goal.
Because the paramahaṁsa is not driven by social display; his behavior may not fit conventional expectations, so ordinary observers may misjudge him even though he is deeply realized.
Focus on sincere inner practice—hearing, chanting, and serving—without craving recognition, and let your character and steady devotion speak more than external display.