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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 23: Verses 26-39
Wherefore does a man alive to the evil repeatedly allow himself to be troubled so much by his futile endeavours for (the acquisition of) wealth ? To be sure this world stands fully enchanted by the deluding potency of some (unknown and unseen) agency. What purpose of a man who is (already in the process of) being devoured by Death could be served by riches or by those that confer wealth (on him) and what is to be gained (by him) through enjoyments sought after by the world or those that cater for (such) enjoyments or (for that matter) through actions that are conducive to rebirth ? "Surely Lord Sri Hari, who embodies in His person all the gods, by whom I have been reduced to this predicament, is pleased with me, and (it is through His pleasure alone that) despondency has come over me, which will serve (me) as a bark (to cross the ocean of metempsychosis). Complacent of mind and (wide) awake to all my interests, I, who have (luckily enough) been reduced to such a (pitiable) plight, shall during what (little) time-if any-is left (at my disposal) attenuate my body (through askesis). Let the gods who are the rulers of the three worlds (earth, heaven and the intermediate region) shower their grace on me in the aforesaid state. (I feel reassured by the thought that) Khatwanga (an ancient king) attained in no time Vaikuntha (the realm of Lord Visnu, which is a manifestation of Brahma)"
The glorious Lord continued : Having thus resolved in his mind, the Brahmana (the foremost of the twice-born classes) who belonged to Avanti undid the knots (in the shape of the ego-sense and the feeling of myness) existing in his heart and turned out to be a peaceful ascetic subsisting on alms. With his mind, senses and breath fully controlled he traversed this globe and entered towns villages (only) for (begging) alms (and that too) incognito and unattached. Seeing that aged mendicant untidy (in appearance), wicked people ill-treated him in numerous insulting ways, 0 good Uddhava ! Some snatched away his triple bamboo staff (carried as a symbol of complete renunciation); others, his (begging) bowl and Kamandalu (vessel made of cocoanut shell for carrying water); some took away his seat and string of Rudraksa beads and still others, his quilt of rags and even strips of cloth. Returning them (once) or (simply) showing them (as if offering them back) they would snatch them from the ascetic once more; nay, while he partook on the riverside of the food got by way of alms, they would snatch away that (too). (35) People who were extremely vile (even) spat and urinated on his head; they forced him to speak while he was silent and would thrash him if he did not. Calling him a thief, others threatened him with words; while others tied him with a rope, exclaiming "Let him be bound, let him be bound I Some would insultingly taunt him, saying "He is (in the heart of his hearts) a rogue, though (outwardly) carrying a (triple) staff as an emblem of piety. Deserted by his own people on his wealth having been depleted, he has adopted this course of life (as a means of livelihood rather than in a spirit of renunciation)." Others would ridicule him saying "Oh, this most robust fellow is firm as a huge mountain.Strong of resolution like a heron he seeks to gain his end through (a vow of) silence !" while others broke wind at him. (Nay,) people (even) tied and restrained that Brahmana (even) as a bird kept for diversion.
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