Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 26
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
कस्मात् सङ्क्लिश्यते विद्वान् व्यर्थयार्थेहयासकृत् । कस्यचिन्मायया नूनं लोकोऽयं सुविमोहित: ॥ २६ ॥
kasmāt saṅkliśyate vidvān vyarthayārthehayāsakṛt kasyacin māyayā nūnaṁ loko ’yaṁ su-vimohitaḥ
เหตุใดคนฉลาดต้องทนทุกข์จากความพยายามอันไร้ค่าเพื่อทรัพย์ซ้ำแล้วซ้ำเล่า? แท้จริงโลกนี้ถูกทำให้หลงใหลอย่างยิ่งด้วยฤทธิ์มายาของผู้ใดผู้หนึ่ง
FAQs
This verse says even the learned suffer when they repeatedly chase futile ends; such labor arises from deep bewilderment caused by māyā, which makes temporary goals appear meaningful.
Kṛṣṇa is guiding Uddhava toward detachment and clear discrimination; by identifying māyā as the cause of misguided striving, He redirects the seeker from fruitless effort to spiritual realization.
Perform duties, but stop expecting lasting fulfillment from temporary achievements; prioritize bhakti and inner clarity, and reduce compulsive overwork driven by ego, comparison, and endless acquisition.