Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 13
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
तस्यैवं ध्यायतो दीर्घं नष्टरायस्तपस्विन: । खिद्यतो बाष्पकण्ठस्य निर्वेद: सुमहानभूत् ॥ १३ ॥
tasyaivaṁ dhyāyato dīrghaṁ naṣṭa-rāyas tapasvinaḥ khidyato bāṣpa-kaṇṭhasya nirvedaḥ su-mahān abhūt
സമ്പത്ത് എല്ലാം നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട ആ തപസ്വി വലിയ വേദനയോടെ വിലപിച്ചു; കണ്ണുനീരാൽ അവന്റെ കണ്ഠം മുട്ടി, ദീർഘകാലം തന്റെ ഭാഗ്യത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ധ്യാനിച്ചു. പിന്നെ അവനിൽ മഹത്തായ വൈരാഗ്യം ഉദിച്ചു।
The brāhmaṇa had previously been trained in pious life, but his past goodness was covered by his offensive behavior. Finally, his previous purity was reawakened within him.
FAQs
This verse states that when the brāhmaṇa lost his wealth and suffered deeply—tears choking his throat—prolonged reflection led to a powerful detachment (nirveda) awakening within him.
To show the turning point of the narrative: intense worldly distress, when met with thoughtful contemplation, can mature into genuine renunciation rather than further bondage.
When setbacks come, pause and reflect instead of reacting impulsively; use the pain to reassess what is truly lasting, and cultivate inner detachment that supports steady devotion and clarity.