Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Nārada and Aṅgirā Instruct Citraketu: Impermanence, Ātma-Tattva, and Mantra-Upadeśa
इत्थं त्वां पुत्रशोकेन मग्नं तमसि दुस्तरे । अतदर्हमनुस्मृत्य महापुरुषगोचरम् ॥ १८ ॥ अनुग्रहाय भवत: प्राप्तावावामिह प्रभो । ब्रह्मण्यो भगवद्भक्तो नावासादितुमर्हसि ॥ १९ ॥
itthaṁ tvāṁ putra-śokena magnaṁ tamasi dustare atad-arham anusmṛtya mahāpuruṣa-gocaram
My dear King, you are an advanced devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. To be absorbed in lamentation for the loss of something material is unsuitable for a person like you. Therefore we have both come to relieve you from this false lamentation, which is due to your being merged in the darkness of ignorance. For those who are advanced in spiritual knowledge to be affected by material loss and gain is not at all desirable.
Several words in this verse are very important. The word mahā-puruṣa refers to advanced devotees and also to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Mahā means “the supreme,” and puruṣa means “person.” One who always engages in the service of the Supreme Lord is called mahā-pauruṣika. Śukadeva Gosvāmī and Mahārāja Parīkṣit are sometimes addressed as mahā-pauruṣika. A devotee should always aspire to engage in the service of advanced devotees. As Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura has sung:
FAQs
This verse depicts grief as a dark, difficult-to-cross condition (tamasi dustare) and points to remembrance of the Supreme Lord (mahā-puruṣa) and saintly guidance as the path to transcend it.
They saw Citraketu overwhelmed by sorrow and, remembering the Supreme Lord who is realized by great souls, came specifically to show him mercy and redirect him from lamentation to spiritual understanding.
Seek sādhus and spiritual counsel, and consciously redirect the mind from loss-centered rumination to remembrance of God and higher purpose—replacing tamas with clarity, devotion, and steady practice.