Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 36
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
यतवाचं वाचयन्ति ताडयन्ति न वक्ति चेत् । तर्जयन्त्यपरे वाग्भि: स्तेनोऽयमिति वादिन: । बध्नन्ति रज्ज्वा तं केचिद् बध्यतां बध्यतामिति ॥ ३६ ॥
yata-vācaṁ vācayanti tāḍayanti na vakti cet tarjayanty apare vāgbhiḥ steno ’yam iti vādinaḥ badhnanti rajjvā taṁ kecid badhyatāṁ badhyatām iti
मौनव्रत घेतलेल्या त्या मुनिला ते बोलायला लावत; तो न बोलल्यास काठ्यांनी मारत. काही जण शब्दांनी धारेवर धरत—“हा चोर आहे.” आणि काही जण दोरीने बांधत, ओरडत—“बांधा, बांधा!”
FAQs
This verse describes how an innocent, silent person may be abused, slandered as a thief, and even bound—illustrating the Bhagavatam’s teaching that a spiritually steady person tolerates worldly injustice without losing inner composure.
In Canto 11 Chapter 23, Śukadeva recounts the Avadhūta’s instruction to Yadu on renunciation and equanimity; this verse shows how society can misjudge and persecute, and why a wise person remains detached from public opinion.
When misunderstood or falsely blamed, avoid reactive speech and retaliation; keep integrity, seek lawful remedies if needed, and maintain spiritual steadiness through remembrance of the Lord and disciplined self-control.