Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 45
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
स्थित्युत्पत्त्यप्ययानां त्वमेको हेतुर्निराश्रय: । लोकान् क्रीडनकानीश क्रीडतस्ते वदन्ति हि ॥ ४५ ॥
sthity-utpatty-apyayānāṁ tvam eko hetur nirāśrayaḥ lokān krīḍanakān īśa krīḍatas te vadanti hi
You alone cause the creation, maintenance and annihilation of the cosmos, and of You there is no prior cause. Indeed, O Lord, authorities say that the worlds are mere playthings for You as You perform Your pastimes.
FAQs
This verse declares that Kṛṣṇa alone is the independent (nirāśraya) cause behind the universe’s creation, sustenance, and dissolution—affirming Him as the Supreme controller beyond all material support.
Seeing the Lord’s effortless supremacy in battle and His divine freedom, they describe cosmic events as part of His līlā—His sovereign play—rather than as compelled material action.
It encourages surrender and steadiness: do your duties responsibly, but reduce anxiety by remembering outcomes rest with the Lord, who remains the ultimate independent cause.