Shloka 11
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
सायन्तनं श्वस्तनं वा न सङ्गृह्णीत भिक्षितम् । पाणिपात्रोदरामत्रो मक्षिकेव न सङ्ग्रही ॥ ११ ॥
sāyantanaṁ śvastanaṁ vā na saṅgṛhṇīta bhikṣitam pāṇi-pātrodarāmatro makṣikeva na saṅgrahī
นักบวชไม่พึงคิดว่า “อาหารนี้เก็บไว้กินคืนนี้” หรือ “อีกส่วนเก็บไว้พรุ่งนี้” ไม่พึงสะสมอาหารที่ได้จากบิณฑบาต ให้ใช้มือเป็นภาชนะ ให้ท้องเป็นที่เก็บ และอย่าเป็นผู้สะสมดุจผึ้งผู้โลภ
There are two types of honeybees: those who collect nectar from the flowers and those who actually manufacture honey in the beehive. This verse refers to the second class. The greedy honeybee eventually collects so much honey that he is trapped in his hive; and in the same way, a materialistic person becomes trapped under the burden of unnecessary material accumulation. One who is interested in making spiritual progress should avoid such a situation; however, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura points out that for the purpose of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness one may accumulate an unlimited amount of material opulence. This is called yukta-vairāgya, or using everything in the service of Kṛṣṇa. A saintly person who is unable to work in Lord Caitanya’s mission should practice austerities and collect only what he can hold in his hands and belly. However, one who has given his life to Kṛṣṇa may collect unlimitedly on Lord Kṛṣṇa’s behalf. In fact, without acquiring material opulence, how is it possible to spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement all over the world? But if one tries to personally enjoy the funds or facilities acquired for the missionary activities of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, he commits the greatest offense. Therefore, even in the name of Lord Kṛṣṇa, one should collect only what he can immediately engage in practical devotional service; otherwise one will fall down to the platform of ordinary greediness.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a renunciant should not accumulate even a day’s worth of alms, but accept only what is needed to maintain the body, remaining free from possessiveness.
In the Uddhava-gītā, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava in the conduct of a detached sage: hoarding strengthens attachment and fear, while accepting only necessity supports steady devotion and inner freedom.
Practice contentment: reduce unnecessary accumulation, take what you truly need, share surplus, and cultivate trust in the Lord rather than anxiety-driven stockpiling.