Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 32
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
स चचार महीमेतां संयतात्मेन्द्रियानिल: । भिक्षार्थं नगरग्रामानसङ्गोऽलक्षितोऽविशत् ॥ ३२ ॥
sa cacāra mahīm etāṁ saṁyatātmendriyānilaḥ bhikṣārthaṁ nagara-grāmān asaṅgo ’lakṣito ’viśat
అతను తన ఇంద్రియాలను మరియు ప్రాణవాయువును అదుపులో ఉంచుకుని భూమిపై సంచరించాడు. భిక్ష కోసం ఎవరికీ తెలియకుండా నగరాలు మరియు గ్రామాలలో తిరిగాడు.
According to Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, the acceptance of the tridaṇḍi-sannyāsa order of life is the chief indication that one has actually taken shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The three rods of the daṇḍa, or staff, of the Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī indicate control of the body, mind and words by engaging them only in the loving service of the Lord. This procedure helps one to become more tolerant than a tree, as recommended by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. By strict control of one’s body, mind and speech, the quality of tolerance becomes strengthened, and thus one manifests the further qualities of forgiving others, never wasting one’s time, detachment from sense gratification, lack of false pride in one’s work and not hankering for liberation. One in this way gives up the mentality of materialistic persons, who establish so-called affectionate relationships of mutual flattery and exploit each other for sense gratification. One who adopts the strict path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, following in the footsteps of great souls, can achieve the shelter of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse describes the avadhūta as asaṅga—moving through society without clinging to people or possessions—showing that freedom comes from inner non-attachment, not from external status.
To emphasize the mood of humility and non-identification: the saint seeks only what is needed to sustain the body (alms) and avoids fame, recognition, and social entanglement.
Live simply, reduce unnecessary consumption, keep disciplined habits (food, sleep, speech), and practice devotional remembrance—so interaction with the world happens without dependence or obsession.