Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 42
The Forest of Material Existence (Saṁsāra-vana) and the Delivering Path of Bharata’s Teachings
तस्येदमुपगायन्ति— आर्षभस्येह राजर्षेर्मनसापि महात्मन: । नानुवर्त्मार्हति नृपो मक्षिकेव गरुत्मत: ॥ ४२ ॥
tasyedam upagāyanti — ārṣabhasyeha rājarṣer manasāpi mahātmanaḥ nānuvartmārhati nṛpo makṣikeva garutmataḥ
आर्षभस्य जडभरतस्योपदेशं संक्षिप्य शुकदेव उवाच—हे राजर्षे परीक्षित, अस्य महात्मनः पन्थाः गरुत्मतः पन्था इव; नृपाः तु मक्षिकावत्। मक्षिका गरुत्मतः पन्थानं नानुवर्तते; तथा जयिनोऽपि नृपाः अद्यापि भक्तिसेवामार्गं नानुवर्तितुं शक्ताः, मनसापि न।
As Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā (7.3) :
FAQs
This verse warns that ordinary people—even kings—should not imitate the extraordinary conduct of a mahātmā like Ṛṣabhadeva; instead one should follow genuine principles of devotion and dharma according to one’s qualification.
Garuḍa represents a supremely powerful, divine being; a fly cannot match his flight. Likewise, a conditioned soul cannot replicate the superhuman renunciation and freedom of a perfected saint like Ṛṣabhadeva.
Avoid performative renunciation or extreme practices beyond your capacity; adopt steady sādhana—hearing, chanting, and disciplined living—while honoring great souls without trying to copy their external behavior.