Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
Kṛṣṇa Kills Dantavakra; Balarāma’s Pilgrimage and the Slaying of Romaharṣaṇa
ऋषेर्भगवतो भूत्वा शिष्योऽधीत्य बहूनि च । सेतिहासपुराणानि धर्मशास्त्राणि सर्वश: ॥ २५ ॥ अदान्तस्याविनीतस्य वृथा पण्डितमानिन: । न गुणाय भवन्ति स्म नटस्येवाजितात्मन: ॥ २६ ॥
ṛṣer bhagavato bhūtvā śiṣyo ’dhītya bahūni ca setihāsa-purāṇāni dharma-śāstrāṇi sarvaśaḥ
相反，他对经典的学习就像演员研究他的角色一样，因为他不自律也不谦虚，徒劳地自以为是学术权威，尽管他未能征服自己的心。
One might argue that Romaharṣaṇa committed an innocent mistake when he failed to recognize Lord Balarāma, but such an argument is refuted here by Lord Balarāma’s strong criticism.
FAQs
This verse acknowledges deep scriptural study, but implies that learning alone is not sufficient unless it transforms one’s character and discipline.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks to King Parīkṣit while narrating events around Śiśupāla’s fate, highlighting that mere erudition does not guarantee virtue.
Study should be paired with humility, self-restraint, and lived practice; otherwise, knowledge remains theoretical and fails to elevate conduct.