Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 25
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
व्यर्थयार्थेहया वित्तं प्रमत्तस्य वयो बलम् । कुशला येन सिध्यन्ति जरठ: किं नु साधये ॥ २५ ॥
vyarthayārthehayā vittaṁ pramattasya vayo balam kuśalā yena sidhyanti jaraṭhaḥ kiṁ nu sādhaye
分別ある者は財、若さ、力を用いて成就を得る。だが私は迷いのまま、さらなる富を求める無益な奔走にそれらを浪費した。今や老いた身、何を成し遂げられようか。
FAQs
This verse warns that futile chasing of worldly gain wastes one’s wealth, youth, and strength, and urges seeking the endeavor that brings real auspiciousness—spiritual welfare.
While instructing Yadu, the Avadhuta highlights the urgency of spiritual realization, showing how ordinary life is squandered by careless attachment and how one should instead pursue lasting good.
Audit where your time and energy go—reduce compulsive acquisition, and redirect resources toward sādhana, service, and remembrance of Bhagavān so that life’s prime years are not lost.