Shloka 38
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
शश्वत्परार्थसर्वेह: परार्थैकान्तसम्भव: । साधु: शिक्षेत भूभृत्तो नगशिष्य: परात्मताम् ॥ ३८ ॥
śaśvat parārtha-sarvehaḥ parārthaikānta-sambhavaḥ sādhuḥ śikṣeta bhū-bhṛtto naga-śiṣyaḥ parātmatām
సాధువు పర్వతం నుండి ఇది నేర్చుకోవాలి—ఎల్లప్పుడూ పరహిత సేవలోనే శ్రమించి, ఇతరుల మంగళమే తన జీవన కారణముగా చేసుకోవాలి. అలాగే వృక్షశిష్యునివలె తనను తాను పరులకు అర్పించాలి.
Great mountains bear unlimited quantities of earth, which in turn give sustenance to innumerable forms of life such as trees, grass, birds, animals, and so on. Mountains also pour forth unlimited quantities of crystalline water in the form of waterfalls and rivers, and this water gives life to all. By studying the example of mountains, one should learn the art of providing for the happiness of all living entities. Similarly, one may take excellent lessons from the pious trees, who offer innumerable benefits, such as fruits, flowers, cooling shade and medicinal extracts. Even when a tree is suddenly cut down and dragged away, the tree does not protest but continues to give service to others in the form of firewood. Thus, one should become the disciple of such magnanimous trees and learn from them the qualities of saintly conduct.
FAQs
This verse says a true sādhu is always dedicated to others’ welfare and lives solely for others, learning steadiness and selfless support from the mountain’s example.
In the Avadhūta’s ‘twenty-four gurus’ teaching, nature becomes a classroom; the mountain teaches endurance, stability, and quietly bearing burdens for the good of others.
Practice steady, quiet service—support others without seeking recognition, remain stable amid praise or blame, and make your daily efforts oriented toward others’ well-being.