Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 16
Nārada Instructs Dakṣa’s Sons; Allegory of the World; Dakṣa Curses Nārada
सृष्ट्यप्ययकरीं मायां वेलाकूलान्तवेगिताम् । मत्तस्य तामविज्ञस्य किमसत्कर्मभिर्भवेत् ॥ १६ ॥
sṛṣṭy-apyaya-karīṁ māyāṁ velā-kūlānta-vegitām mattasya tām avijñasya kim asat-karmabhir bhavet
[Nārada Muni had said that there is a river flowing in both directions. The Haryaśvas understood the purport of this statement.] Material nature functions in two ways — by creation and dissolution. Thus the river of material nature flows both ways. A living entity who unknowingly falls in this river is submerged in its waves, and since the current is swifter near the banks of the river, he is unable to get out. What will be the benefit of performing fruitive activities in that river of māyā?
One may be submerged in the waves of the river of māyā, but one may also get free from the waves by coming to the banks of knowledge and austerity. Near these banks, however, the waves are very strong. If one does not understand how he is being tossed by the waves, but simply engages in temporary fruitive activities, what benefit will he derive?
FAQs
This verse describes māyā as the force behind creation and dissolution, moving like a powerful tide; one who is unaware of her is swept along, and sinful or misguided actions cannot bring true benefit.
Narada warned Daksha’s sons that worldly, fruitive activity performed in ignorance of māyā leads only to further bondage, urging them toward spiritual understanding and renunciation.
Recognize how distraction and material intoxication drive choices; reduce “asat” habits, cultivate clarity through sādhana (hearing, chanting, and self-discipline), and act with God-centered intention rather than impulse.