Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Chapter 19
का तितिक्षा धृतिः प्रभो किं दानं किं तपः शौर्यं ।
किं सत्यं ऋतमुच्यते कस्त्यागः किं धनं चेष्टं ॥
kā titikṣā dhṛtiḥ prabho kiṃ dānaṃ kiṃ tapaḥ śauryaṃ / kim satyam ṛtam ucyate kas tyāgaḥ kiṃ dhanaṃ ceṣṭaṃ //
主啊，何为真正的忍受（titikṣā），何为坚忍（dhṛti）？何为布施，何为苦行，何为真实的勇武？何为真语，何者称为“ṛta”（契合宇宙秩序之真实）？何为真正的舍离，何为真实的财富，何为最可贵的精进？
In this section of the Eleventh Canto, Uddhava approaches Śrī Kṛṣṇa not merely for abstract philosophy, but for precise spiritual definitions—so that dharma is not reduced to social fashion or personal opinion. By asking a chain of “What is…?” questions, Uddhava reveals a devotee’s practical concern: how to recognize genuine virtue amid confusion, especially as worldly standards shift. The verse frames ethics as inner realization and God-centered purpose, not mere external performance. Tolerance and steadiness are tested when one faces insult, loss, or delay; charity and austerity are purified when performed without ego and for spiritual upliftment; heroism is not aggression but courage in self-mastery and righteousness. Uddhava also distinguishes ordinary ‘truth’ from ṛta—speech and action that harmonize with the deeper order of reality and the Lord’s will. Finally, he questions common assumptions about wealth and endeavor, preparing for Kṛṣṇa’s teaching that the highest wealth is devotion and the highest endeavor is the path that awakens love of God.
FAQs
This verse shows Uddhava asking Kṛṣṇa for the true definition of tolerance—implying it is not weakness, but spiritually grounded forbearance that remains aligned with dharma.
Uddhava wants precise, God-centered meanings of virtues so that spiritual life is guided by Kṛṣṇa’s standard rather than changing social opinions or ego-driven morality.
Use the verse as a prompt to evaluate wealth and success by what increases inner steadiness and devotion—choosing pursuits that deepen character, service, and remembrance of God.