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
たとえ聖者が世間の視線に自らをさらさなくとも、その目的は振る舞いによって明らかになる。人々の中では落ち着きのない子どものように見せ、最高の思索家・雄弁家であっても、口を閉ざした者のように振る舞い、内なる自己を態度によって示すべきである。
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.