Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 25
Soma Pacifies the Pracetās; Dakṣa’s Haṁsa-guhya Prayers; Hari Grants Creative Power
देहोऽसवोऽक्षा मनवो भूतमात्रा- मात्मानमन्यं च विदु: परं यत् । सर्वं पुमान् वेद गुणांश्च तज्ज्ञो न वेद सर्वज्ञमनन्तमीडे ॥ २५ ॥
deho ’savo ’kṣā manavo bhūta-mātrām ātmānam anyaṁ ca viduḥ paraṁ yat sarvaṁ pumān veda guṇāṁś ca taj-jño na veda sarva-jñam anantam īḍe
Because they are only matter, the body, the life airs, the external and internal senses, the five gross elements and the subtle sense objects [form, taste, smell, sound and touch] cannot know their own nature, the nature of the other senses or the nature of their controllers. But the living being, because of his spiritual nature, can know his body, the life airs, the senses, the elements and the sense objects, and he can also know the three qualities that form their roots. Nevertheless, although the living being is completely aware of them, he is unable to see the Supreme Being, who is omniscient and unlimited. I therefore offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.
Material scientists can make an analytical study of the physical elements, the body, the senses, the sense objects and even the air that controls the vital force, but still they cannot understand that above all these is the real spirit soul. In other words, the living entity, because of his being a spirit soul, can understand all the material objects, or, when self-realized, he can understand the Paramātmā, upon whom yogīs meditate. Nevertheless, the living being, even if advanced, cannot understand the Supreme Being, the Personality of Godhead, for He is ananta, unlimited, in all six opulences.
FAQs
This verse says that body, prana, senses, mind, and subtle elements can only grasp the self and the ‘other’ in a limited way; even broad knowledge of the gunas does not equal knowing the unlimited, all-knowing Lord.
In his prayers, Daksha admits the inadequacy of material and intellectual faculties to fully comprehend the Supreme, and therefore turns to worshipful surrender to the unlimited, omniscient Lord.
Cultivate humility about what the mind and senses can conclude, and balance learning with devotion—regular prayer, remembrance, and service—aimed at the unlimited Lord rather than mere information.