Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 26
Kṛṣṇa’s Daily Life in Dvārakā; the Captive Kings’ Appeal; Nārada Announces the Rājasūya
लोको विकर्मनिरत: कुशले प्रमत्त: कर्मण्ययं त्वदुदिते भवदर्चने स्वे । यस्तावदस्य बलवानिह जीविताशां सद्यश्छिनत्त्यनिमिषाय नमोऽस्तु तस्मै ॥ २६ ॥
loko vikarma-nirataḥ kuśale pramattaḥ karmaṇy ayaṁ tvad-udite bhavad-arcane sve yas tāvad asya balavān iha jīvitāśāṁ sadyaś chinatty animiṣāya namo ’stu tasmai
People in this world are always engaged in sinful activities and are thus bewildered about their real duty, which is to worship You according to Your commandments. This activity would truly bring them good fortune. Let us offer our obeisances unto the all-powerful Lord, who appears as time and suddenly cuts down one’s stubborn hope for a long life in this world.
Lord Kṛṣṇa states in the Bhagavad-gītā (9.27) :
FAQs
This verse states that people commonly become absorbed in vikarma and remain careless about their real welfare, implying that such actions distract the soul from auspicious spiritual progress.
It says that the same human activity becomes beneficial when performed as Kṛṣṇa has instructed—by directing one’s actions into bhavad-arcana, the worship and service of the Lord.
By remembering that time can end life at any moment, one becomes sober, reduces sinful habits, and prioritizes devotional service and meaningful duties over distractions.