Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 11
The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa (Avanti-brāhmaṇa-gītā): Mind as the Root of Suffering and Equanimity Amid Insult
ज्ञातयो जगृहु: किञ्चित् किञ्चिद् दस्यव उद्धव । दैवत: कालत: किञ्चिद् ब्रह्मबन्धोर्नृपार्थिवात् ॥ ११ ॥
jñātyo jagṛhuḥ kiñcit kiñcid dasyava uddhava daivataḥ kālataḥ kiñcid brahma-bandhor nṛ-pārthivāt
亲爱的乌达婆，那名不副实的婆罗门之财，有些被亲族夺去，有些被盗贼掠走；有些因天意，有些因时劫；有些被凡人侵吞，有些又被官府没收。
It appears that even though the so-called brāhmaṇa was determined not to spend his money, his wife and other relatives managed to squeeze out a portion. According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, providence here refers to fires in the home and other types of occasional misfortune. Effects of time here refers to the destruction of agricultural crops through seasonal irregularities and other such occurrences. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura points out that one should not merely proclaim oneself to be a brāhmaṇa but should actually understand one’s original identity as a servant of the Lord. One declaring himself to be a brāhmaṇa but maintaining a materialistic mentality is not a real brāhmaṇa, but rather a brahma-bandhu, or so-called brāhmaṇa. The humble devotees of Lord Viṣṇu, following the indications of the Vedic scriptures, refer to themselves as unfortunate and unable to understand the kingdom of God; they do not proudly proclaim themselves to be brāhmaṇas. Those who are wise, however, know that such humble devotees are actually brāhmaṇas whose hearts are cleansed by the pure mode of goodness.
FAQs
This verse lists multiple forces that remove wealth—relatives, thieves, fate, time, and even unjust rulers—teaching that possessions are inherently unstable and should not be the basis of one’s security.
To warn that social titles can be misused: an unqualified person may exploit religious status or political power, and thus one should place faith in dharma and devotion rather than in worldly institutions.
Keep savings and duties responsible, but cultivate inner detachment—use resources in service, avoid greed, and remember that time and circumstances can change suddenly, so spiritual practice should be one’s real shelter.