Shloka 29
Ṛṣabhadeva Instructs His Sons: Tapasya, Mahātmā-Sevā, and Cutting the Heart-Knot
जडान्धमूकबधिरपिशाचोन्मादकवदवधूतवेषोऽभिभाष्यमाणोऽपि जनानां गृहीतमौनव्रतस्तूष्णीं बभूव ॥ २९ ॥
jaḍāndha-mūka-badhira-piśāconmādakavad-avadhūta-veṣo ’bhibhāṣyamāṇo ’pi janānāṁ gṛhīta-mauna-vratas tūṣṇīṁ babhūva.
अवधूतवेषं स्वीकृत्य भगवान् ऋषभदेवः जडान्धमूकबधिरपिशाचोन्मादकवत् जनसमाजं विचचार। जनैः अभिभाष्यमाणोऽपि स गृहीतमौनव्रतः तूष्णीं एव बभूव, कञ्चिदपि न व्याहरत्।
The word avadhūta refers to one who does not care for social conventions, particularly the varṇāśrama-dharma. However, such a person may be situated fully within himself and be satisfied with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, on whom he meditates. In other words, one who has surpassed the rules and regulations of varṇāśrama-dharma is called avadhūta. Such a person has already surpassed the clutches of māyā, and he lives completely separate and independent.
FAQs
To avoid social entanglement and disturbance, he concealed his inner realization by adopting an avadhūta-like guise and keeping silence even when addressed.
The verse presents silence as a protective discipline—helping a renunciant remain undisturbed by public interaction and maintain inner absorption.
Practice restraint in speech, avoid unnecessary arguments and social drama, and cultivate inner steadiness rather than seeking recognition or approval.