Shloka 33
जनक-राज्ञः मौण्ड्य-परिव्रज्या-विवादः
Janaka’s Renunciation Questioned; Discourse on Dāna and Detachment
त्रयीं च नाम वार्ता च त्यक्त्वा पुत्रान् व्रजन्ति ये । त्रिविष्टब्धं च वासश्र प्रतिगृह्नन्त्यबुद्धयः
trayīṃ ca nāma vārtā ca tyaktvā putrān vrajanti ye | trivisṭabdhaṃ ca vāsaś ca pratigṛhṇanty abuddhayaḥ ||
Disse Arjuna: “Há muitos tolos que abandonam o estudo dos três Vedas e as ocupações legítimas da vida, e até deixam seus filhos, partindo como errantes. Depois tomam o bastão triplo e o manto ocre—marcas exteriores de renúncia—sem verdadeira compreensão.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
External symbols of ascetic life—such as the triple staff and ochre robe—do not constitute true renunciation. Abandoning Vedic study and rightful responsibilities (including family and livelihood) without inner wisdom is portrayed as folly; discernment and dharmic grounding are essential.
Arjuna speaks critically about people who prematurely or ignorantly adopt the appearance of a renunciant. He contrasts outward abandonment (leaving Vedic learning, work, and even sons) with the need for genuine understanding, implying that mere costume and departure do not equal spiritual attainment.