Canto 5: The Creative ImpetusChapter 6: The Activities of Lord Rishabhadeva

Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 5.6.2

rishir uvāca

satyam uktam kintv iha eke na manaso 'ddhā viśrambham anavasthānasya śatha-kirāta iva sańgacchante

SYNONYMS

rishih uvācaŚukadeva Gosvāmī said; satyam — the correct thing; uktam — have said; kintu — but; ihain this material world; — either; eke — some; na — not; manasah — of the mind; addhā — directly; viśrambham — faithful; anavasthānasya — being unsteady; śatha — very cunning; kirātaha hunter; iva — like; sańgacchante — become.

TRANSLATION

Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī replied: My dear King, you have spoken correctly. However, after capturing animals, a cunning hunter does not put faith in them, for they might run away. Similarly, those who are advanced in spiritual life do not put faith in the mind. Indeed, they always remain vigilant and watch the mind's action.

PURPORT

In Bhagavad-gītā (18.5) Lord Krishna says:

yajña-dāna-tapah-karma

na tyājyam kāryam eva tat

yajño dānam tapaś caiva

pāvanāni manīshinām

"Acts of sacrifice, charity and penance are not to be given up but should be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity and penance purify even the great souls."

Even one who has renounced the world and has taken sannyāsa should not renounce chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra. Renunciation does not mean that one has to renounce sańkīrtana-yajña. Similarly, one should not renounce charity or tapasya. The yoga system for control of the mind and senses must be strictly followed. Lord Rishabhadeva showed how severe types of tapasya could be performed, and He set an example for all others.

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