Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 37
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
क्षिपन्त्येकेऽवजानन्त एष धर्मध्वज: शठ: । क्षीणवित्त इमां वृत्तिमग्रहीत् स्वजनोज्झित: ॥ ३७ ॥
kṣipanty eke ’vajānanta eṣa dharma-dhvajaḥ śaṭhaḥ kṣīṇa-vitta imāṁ vṛttim agrahīt sva-janojjhitaḥ
તેઓ તેને અપમાનિત કરીને કહેતા—“આ ધર્મનો ધ્વજ ઉઠાવનાર કપટી છે. ધન ખૂટી ગયું, સ્વજનો ત્યજી ગયા, એટલે ધર્મને ધંધો બનાવી લીધો છે.”
FAQs
This verse shows that society may label a renunciant as a “dharma-dhvaja”—a religious pretender—highlighting how external appearance of dharma can be misunderstood or exploited, especially in degraded times.
Because he had lost his wealth and social support and adopted a renounced life, people mocked him as a fraud; the narrative illustrates how worldly minds often judge spirituality through status and possessions.
Remain steady in sincere practice, avoid dependence on public approval, and understand that ridicule often reflects others’ material vision rather than the truth of one’s inner commitment.