Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 41
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
क्वचित्स्नातोऽनुलिप्ताङ्ग: सुवासा: स्रग्व्यलङ्कृत: । रथेभाश्वैश्चरे क्वापि दिग्वासा ग्रहवद्विभो ॥ ४१ ॥
kvacit snāto ’nuliptāṅgaḥ suvāsāḥ sragvy alaṅkṛtaḥ rathebhāśvaiś care kvāpi dig-vāsā grahavad vibho
Ô mon Seigneur, tantôt je me baigne avec soin, j’enduis mon corps de pâte de santal, je revêts de beaux vêtements, je porte guirlandes et ornements, et je voyage tel un roi sur un éléphant, un char ou un cheval. Mais tantôt je marche nu, comme un homme hanté par un esprit.
FAQs
This verse describes that a truly liberated soul may appear inconsistent externally—sometimes well-groomed and ornamented, sometimes naked and wandering—because he is beyond social identity and moves only under higher realization, like a planet following its course.
The comparison highlights steady, rule-governed movement without attachment: as planets move on their ordained paths, the realized renunciant moves through the world without being pulled by praise, blame, comfort, or discomfort.
Adopt the inner principle: perform duties without obsession over image and external validation, keep habits simple, and cultivate steadiness in devotion so that circumstances do not disturb your spiritual purpose.