Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 3
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
न तथा तप्यते विद्ध: पुमान् बाणैस्तु मर्मगै: । यथा तुदन्ति मर्मस्था ह्यसतां परुषेषव: ॥ ३ ॥
na tathā tapyate viddhaḥ pumān bāṇais tu marma-gaiḥ yathā tudanti marma-sthā hy asatāṁ paruṣeṣavaḥ
Seseorang yang tertusuk panah tajam hingga menembus dada dan mencapai hati tidak menderita sebesar ketika panah kata-kata kasar dan menghina dari orang tak beradab tertancap di dalam hati.
FAQs
This verse teaches that cruel words from wicked people can wound the heart more deeply than physical arrows, so one should be careful in speech and tolerant when criticized.
In the Uddhava-gītā teachings, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on renunciation and inner steadiness; here He highlights how verbal cruelty pierces the heart, urging equanimity and spiritual resilience.
Recognize that words can trigger deep inner pain; practice restraint in replying, remember the temporary nature of praise/blame, and anchor the mind in bhakti so criticism does not disturb your inner devotion.