Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 31
Rājasūya: Agrapūjā for Kṛṣṇa and the Slaying (and Liberation) of Śiśupāla
ईशो दुरत्यय: काल इति सत्यवती श्रुति: । वृद्धानामपि यद् बुद्धिर्बालवाक्यैर्विभिद्यते ॥ ३१ ॥
īśo duratyayaḥ kāla iti satyavatī srutiḥ vṛddhānām api yad buddhir bāla-vākyair vibhidyate
[Śiśupāla said:] The statement of the Vedas that time is the unavoidable controller of all has indeed been proven true, since the intelligence of wise elders has now become diverted by the words of a mere boy.
FAQs
This verse states that Kala is īśa—Time is the Lord Himself—and therefore cannot be overcome; even strong human judgment can be overturned under its influence.
He highlights the overpowering nature of Time: when Kala acts, even mature, experienced intelligence may become confused and diverted by trivial influences.
Do not rely only on age or confidence for right judgment; stay grounded in śāstra, seek saintly counsel, and cultivate steady devotion, knowing that Time can unsettle the mind unexpectedly.