Shloka 20
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
इन्द्रियाणि जयन्त्याशु निराहारा मनीषिण: । वर्जयित्वा तु रसनं तन्निरन्नस्य वर्धते ॥ २० ॥
indriyāṇi jayanty āśu nirāhārā manīṣiṇaḥ varjayitvā tu rasanaṁ tan nirannasya vardhate
നിരാഹാരരായ മേധാവികൾ മറ്റു ഇന്ദ്രിയങ്ങളെ വേഗം ജയിക്കും; എന്നാൽ നാവിനെ ഒഴിവാക്കിയാൽ, അന്നത്യാഗം ചെയ്തവനിൽ രുചിതൃഷ്ണ കൂടുതൽ വർധിക്കുന്നു।
In South America there is a saying that when the belly is full the heart is content. Thus, one who is eating sumptuously is jolly, and if one is deprived of proper food one’s appetite becomes even more voracious. An intelligent person, however, does not fall under the control of the tongue, but rather tries to make progress in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By accepting the remnants of food offered to the Lord ( prasādam ), one gradually purifies the heart and automatically becomes simple and austere.
FAQs
This verse teaches that fasting alone may not conquer desire; the tongue (taste) must be deliberately restrained, otherwise craving can increase even without eating.
In the Uddhava Gītā teachings on renunciation and self-mastery, Kṛṣṇa explains practical subtleties of sense control—highlighting that the tongue is a central gateway for desire.
Along with moderation or fasting, practice conscious regulation of taste—simple diet, mindful eating, and offering food to the Lord (prasāda)—so discipline becomes devotional rather than merely restrictive.