Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 72
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
तं लब्ध्वा लुब्धक: क्रूर: कपोतं गृहमेधिनम् । कपोतकान् कपोतीं च सिद्धार्थ: प्रययौ गृहम् ॥ ७२ ॥
taṁ labdhvā lubdhakaḥ krūraḥ kapotaṁ gṛha-medhinam kapotakān kapotīṁ ca siddhārthaḥ prayayau gṛham
Ang malupit na mangangaso, matapos matupad ang kanyang hangarin sa pamamagitan ng paghuli sa amang kalapati, sa kanyang asawa at sa lahat ng kanilang mga anak, ay umuwi na sa kanyang sariling tahanan.
FAQs
This verse shows how the materially absorbed “householder pigeon” is captured along with his entire family—illustrating that uncontrolled attachment can lead one into bondage and suffering.
He presents it as a moral lesson within the Avadhūta’s teachings: by observing the pigeons’ fate, one learns the danger of blind attachment and the need for detachment on the spiritual path.
Care for family responsibly, but avoid possessiveness—cultivate spiritual priorities (bhakti, sādhana, and self-control) so that relationships support devotion rather than becoming the cause of bondage.