The Story of the Avanti Brahmana

This story, spoken by Lord Krishna to His devotee Uddhava, teaches how one can remain peaceful, steady, and spiritually strong even amidst great difficulties.

---

There once lived a very wealthy but miserly brahmana in the city of Avanti. Although he had immense riches, he never spent money on charity, guests, or even his own family. Over time, due to his greed and sinful behavior, he lost all his wealth.

When he became poor, his own relatives, friends, and family rejected him. People insulted and harassed him regularly. He suffered immensely — physically and mentally.

At one point, realizing the futility of material life, he renounced everything and became a sannyasi (a wandering monk). He endured many insults and beatings silently, and remained peaceful, meditating on the Supreme Lord within.

He then recited a beautiful philosophical song known as the “Song of the Avanti Brahmana”, teaching that:

All suffering comes from the uncontrolled mind — not from other people or destiny.

Ultimately, through detachment, tolerance, and devotion to Lord Krishna, he attained spiritual liberation.

---

📖 Bhagavad Gita 6.5 – Self-Upliftment Through the Mind

उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन: ॥

uddhared ātmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ

Translation:
“One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.”

---

This verse beautifully aligns with the Avanti Brahmana’s realization that:

“My suffering is not caused by others — it is caused by my own uncontrolled mind.”

---

What touched you the most in the Avanti Brahmana’s journey?
Please share your reflections in the comments — I’m also learning as I walk this path, and your words might inspire another soul.