Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 41
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
क्वचित्स्नातोऽनुलिप्ताङ्ग: सुवासा: स्रग्व्यलङ्कृत: । रथेभाश्वैश्चरे क्वापि दिग्वासा ग्रहवद्विभो ॥ ४१ ॥
kvacit snāto ’nuliptāṅgaḥ suvāsāḥ sragvy alaṅkṛtaḥ rathebhāśvaiś care kvāpi dig-vāsā grahavad vibho
噢主啊，有时我沐浴洁净，遍身涂抹檀香，身着华服，佩戴花鬘与饰物，乘象、乘车或骑马，如王者般行旅；但有时我又赤身而行，宛如被鬼魅缠扰之人。
FAQs
This verse describes that a truly liberated soul may appear inconsistent externally—sometimes well-groomed and ornamented, sometimes naked and wandering—because he is beyond social identity and moves only under higher realization, like a planet following its course.
The comparison highlights steady, rule-governed movement without attachment: as planets move on their ordained paths, the realized renunciant moves through the world without being pulled by praise, blame, comfort, or discomfort.
Adopt the inner principle: perform duties without obsession over image and external validation, keep habits simple, and cultivate steadiness in devotion so that circumstances do not disturb your spiritual purpose.