Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 37
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
अनीह: परितुष्टात्मा यदृच्छोपनतादहम् । नो चेच्छये बह्वहानि महाहिरिव सत्त्ववान् ॥ ३७ ॥
anīhaḥ parituṣṭātmā yadṛcchopanatād aham no cec chaye bahv-ahāni mahāhir iva sattvavān
我不为求得任何事物而奔忙；随缘所得，便自满足。若一无所得，我亦如巨蟒般忍耐不动、心不惊扰，便如此卧伏多日。
One should learn detachment from the bumblebees, for they collect drops of honey here and there and keep it in their honeycomb, but then someone comes and by force takes all the honey away, leaving the bumblebees with nothing. Therefore one should learn from the bumblebee not to keep more money than one needs. Similarly, one should learn from the python to stay in one place for many, many days without food and then eat only if something comes in its own way. Thus the learned brāhmaṇa gave instructions gained from two creatures, namely the bumblebee and the python.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a steady, self-satisfied person accepts food and necessities only as they come of their own accord, without anxious striving, remaining peaceful even when nothing is available.
Nārada uses the serpent analogy to show strength and composure: just as a large serpent can remain without eating for long periods, a disciplined sādhaka can tolerate scarcity without agitation.
Cultivate inner contentment and reduce anxiety-driven overexertion—do your duty, but practice simplicity, accept outcomes calmly, and avoid making sense gratification the center of life.