Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 9
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
ज्योतिरादिरिवाभाति सङ्घातान्न विविच्यते । विदन्त्यात्मानमात्मस्थं मथित्वा कवयोऽन्तत: ॥ ९ ॥
jyotir-ādir ivābhāti saṅghātān na vivicyate vidanty ātmānam ātma-sthaṁ mathitvā kavayo ’ntataḥ
The all-pervading Personality of Godhead exists within the heart of every living being, and an expert thinker can perceive how He is present there to a large or small extent. Just as one can understand the supply of fire in wood, the water in a waterpot, or the sky within a pot, one can understand whether a living entity is a demon or a demigod by understanding that living entity’s devotional performances. A thoughtful man can understand how much a person is favored by the Supreme Lord by seeing his actions.
In Bhagavad-gītā (10.41) the Lord says:
FAQs
This verse explains that although the soul seems blended with the body’s material aggregate, the wise ultimately discern the indwelling Self as distinct—through deep inquiry and inner contemplation.
To show how something real can appear concealed within another substance: as fire is present yet not obvious in wood, the soul is present in the body yet not recognized without spiritual discernment.
Practice seeing yourself as the conscious witness rather than the body-mind—through study, reflection, and meditation—so identity shifts from temporary conditions to the enduring Self.