Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 50
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
अहो इमं पश्यत मे विनाशं तपस्विन: सच्चरितव्रतस्य । अन्तर्जले वारिचरप्रसङ्गात् प्रच्यावितं ब्रह्म चिरं धृतं यत् ॥ ५० ॥
aho imaṁ paśyata me vināśaṁ tapasvinaḥ sac-carita-vratasya antarjale vāri-cara-prasaṅgāt pracyāvitaṁ brahma ciraṁ dhṛtaṁ yat
அய்யோ! என் வீழ்ச்சியைப் பாருங்கள்—தவமும் சதாசார விரதமும் கொண்ட நான், நீரின் ஆழத்தில் இருந்தபோதும் மீன்களின் மைதுனச் சங்கத்தால் நீண்ட தவத்தின் பலனை இழந்தேன்।
FAQs
This verse warns that even a long-maintained spiritual strength can be lost when one becomes entangled through association—here symbolized by contact with water-dwelling creatures—showing how saṅga can disturb tapasya and steadiness.
He recognizes that discipline alone is not enough if vigilance is lost; a seemingly small distraction and association in an unguarded moment can shake even a powerful ascetic’s brahma-tejas.
Guard your inputs—company, media, habits—and avoid environments that trigger old weaknesses; steady devotion and mindful boundaries protect spiritual focus just as much as formal practices do.