Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 23
Vidura’s Questions: How the Unchangeable Lord Relates to Māyā; Bhakti as the Remedy; Blueprint for the Coming Cosmology
यस्मिन् दशविध: प्राण: सेन्द्रियार्थेन्द्रियस्त्रिवृत् । त्वयेरितो यतो वर्णास्तद्विभूतीर्वदस्व न: ॥ २३ ॥
yasmin daśa-vidhaḥ prāṇaḥ sendriyārthendriyas tri-vṛt tvayerito yato varṇās tad-vibhūtīr vadasva naḥ
O great brāhmaṇa, you have told me that the gigantic virāṭ form and His senses, sense objects and ten kinds of life air exist with three kinds of life vigor. Now, if you will, kindly explain to me the different powers of the specific divisions.
FAQs
This verse states that the tenfold life-airs, the senses, and their objects function because they are impelled by the Supreme Lord within all beings.
Vidura sought a clear explanation of how the Lord’s cosmic manifestations govern creation and social order, so that dharma can be understood as rooted in the divine source rather than mere human convention.
It encourages humility and devotion: treat body and mind as instruments moved by higher law, regulate the senses, and align one’s work and duties with dharma and spiritual purpose.