Shloka 28
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
यत् सामान्यविशेषाभ्यामुपलभ्येत स भ्रम: । अन्योन्यापाश्रयात् सर्वमाद्यन्तवदवस्तु यत् ॥ २८ ॥
yat sāmānya-viśeṣābhyām upalabhyeta sa bhramaḥ anyonyāpāśrayāt sarvam ādy-antavad avastu yat
كلُّ ما يُختبَر بوصفه سببًا عامًا وأثرًا خاصًّا فهو وَهْم؛ لأنّ السبب والنتيجة لا يقومان إلا بالاعتماد المتبادل. حقًّا، ما له بداية ونهاية فهو غير حقيقي.
The nature of a material cause cannot be perceived without perception of the effect. For example, the burning nature of fire cannot be perceived without observing the effect of fire, such as a burning object or ashes. Similarly, the saturating quality of water cannot be understood without observing the effect, a saturated cloth or paper. The organizational power of a man cannot be understood without observing the effect of his dynamic work, namely a solid institution. In this way, not only do effects depend upon their causes, but the perception of the cause also depends upon observation of the effect. Thus both are defined relatively and have a beginning and an end. The conclusion is that all such material causes and effects are essentially temporary and relative, and consequently illusory.
FAQs
It says that what we know only through categories like “general” and “particular” is delusion, and that whatever is mutually dependent and temporary (with beginning and end) is not the eternal reality.
Because Parikshit is preparing for death and liberation; Shukadeva clarifies discrimination between the eternal truth and the changing world so Parikshit can fix his consciousness on the Absolute.
Treat temporary gains, losses, and identities as passing conditions; prioritize devotion and remembrance of Bhagavān, making decisions based on lasting spiritual benefit rather than momentary appearances.