Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 12
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
यदा कर्मविपाकेषु लोकेषु निरयात्मसु । विरागो जायते सम्यङ् न्यस्ताग्नि: प्रव्रजेत्तत: ॥ १२ ॥
yadā karma-vipākeṣu lokeṣu nirayātmasu virāgo jāyate samyaṅ nyastāgniḥ pravrajet tataḥ
Kapag naunawaan ng vānaprastha na ang mga daigdig na bunga ng paghinog ng karma—maging ang Brahmaloka—ay kalagayang mapait na tila impiyerno, at sumibol ang ganap na paglayo sa lahat ng bunga ng gawa, maaari na niyang talikuran ang apoy ng handog at tumanggap ng paglalakbay-buhay; ibig sabihin, tanggapin ang sannyāsa.
FAQs
It says that when genuine detachment arises from seeing the painful, hell-like outcomes of fruitive karma, one should give up ritual household obligations (nyastāgni) and take up renunciation (pravrajyā).
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa teaches Uddhava the progressive path of dharma and liberation, including when renunciation is appropriate—after real detachment from karma’s results has awakened.
Cultivate clear insight into the limitations and suffering inherent in karma-driven goals, reduce dependence on results, and prioritize spiritual practice and devotion—living with inner renunciation even while maintaining responsibilities.