Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 40
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
क्वचिच्छये धरोपस्थे तृणपर्णाश्मभस्मसु । क्वचित्प्रासादपर्यङ्के कशिपौ वा परेच्छया ॥ ४० ॥
kvacic chaye dharopasthe tṛṇa-parṇāśma-bhasmasu kvacit prāsāda-paryaṅke kaśipau vā parecchayā
Kadang-kadang aku berbaring di atas tanah, kadang di atas rumput, daun atau batu, kadang di atas timbunan abu. Kadang pula, menurut kehendak orang lain, aku berbaring di istana pada katil terbaik dengan bantal.
The learned brāhmaṇa’s description indicates different types of births, for one lies down according to one’s body. Sometimes one takes birth as an animal and sometimes as a king. When he takes birth as an animal he must lie down on the ground, and when he takes birth as a king or a very rich man he is allowed to lie in first-class rooms in huge palaces decorated with beds and other furniture. Such facilities are not available, however, at the sweet will of the living entity; rather, they are available by the supreme will ( parecchayā ), or by the arrangement of māyā. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (18.61) :
FAQs
This verse describes a perfected person who rests anywhere—from bare earth to a palace bed—showing inner freedom and nondependence on external comfort.
To highlight vairāgya and tolerance: a true sadhu is not driven by bodily demands and remains steady in both hardship and ease.
Practice contentment and flexibility—accept simple living when needed, avoid obsession with luxury, and keep devotion and duty steady in all conditions.