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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 7: Verses 24-37
By way of an illustration on this subject they narrate the following ancient legend in the form of a dialogue between an ascetic of a high order and Yadu of great prowess and intelligence. Perceiving ayouthful Brahmana f with an unclean body, though full of wisdom, roaming about fearlessly, Yadu, who knew what is Dharma (piety), put (the following) questions to him.
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Yadu said : Remaining inactive, 0 Brahmana sage, whence did you get this highly penetrating wisdom, obtaining which you, though enlightened, go about the world like an (innocent) boy? Generally men strive after religious merit, riches and enjoyment, as well as after self-enquiry only from the-motive of acquiring longevity, renown and fortune. You for yourself are able-bodied, learned, skilful, good-looking and sweet-tongued; (nevertheless) you do nothing, covet nothing, and behave like a dunce, a maniac or a devil. In the midst of people burning with the wild fire of concupiscence and greed, you remain unscathed by that fire, and do not get scorched by it (even) like an elephant standing in the water of the Gariga. (Pray,) tell us, who are making this enquiry, 0 Brahmana, the cause of the joy abiding in your mind, even though you are living singly and are devoid of enjoyment (of the pleasures of sense).
The glorious Lord said: Thus honoured and questioned by Yadu, who was exceptionally intelligent and devoted to the Brahmanas, the highly blessed Brahmana sage addressed (in the following words) Yadu, who stood bent low with humility. preceptors, O king, selected by my koen sense, -The Brahmana said: Many are my p acquiring wisdom from whom I wander in the world free (from all turmoil and worry). Please hear about them. The earth, the air, the sky, water, fire, the moon and the sun, the dove, the boa-constrictor, the sea, the moth, the honey-bee, the elephant, the honey;-gatherer, the deer, the fish, Pingala (a courtesan), the osprey, the infant, the maiden, the forger of arrows, the serpent, the spider and the Bhrhga (a kind of wasp)-these twenty-four have been accepted, 0 king, by me as preceptors. From the conduct of these have I learnt all that I had to learn in this life for my good. I (presently) tell you, 0 tiger among men, what I learnt from whom and how, 0 son of Yayati (Nahusa's son); (please) hear it. (36) I imbibed from the earth her vow, viz., that remaining unperturbed even while being oppressed by beings following the will of Providence, a man should not deviate from his course (of righteousness), conscious of the fact (of their being subject to the will of Providence).
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