Shloka 36
Hari in the Primeval Waters: Prakṛti as Veil, the ‘Sleep’ Metaphor, and Brahmā’s Lotus-Channel Inquiry
यद्यज्ञानं तस्य सत्यं न स्यात्तर्हि महाप्रभो / अत्यादरात्कथं ब्रह्मञ्छ्रवणं कुरुते वद
yadyajñānaṃ tasya satyaṃ na syāttarhi mahāprabho / atyādarātkathaṃ brahmañchravaṇaṃ kurute vada
إن كانت جهالته ليست حقيقيةً حقًّا، فيا أيها الربّ العظيم—أخبرني—كيف يصغي إلى التعليم المقدّس بكل هذا التبجيل الشديد، يا براهمن؟
Garuda (Vinata-putra), questioning Lord Vishnu
Concept: If ignorance is unreal, why does intense śravaṇa (listening to sacred teaching) still arise?—a prompt to distinguish empirical experience from ultimate reality.
Vedantic Theme: Mithyātva of avidyā vs. vyāvahārika efficacy; śravaṇa as a means within empirical order leading to realization.
Application: Treat spiritual study as meaningful even when teachings say the world/ignorance is ultimately unreal; continue disciplined listening and reflection until direct insight stabilizes.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (dialogue sections on jñāna/bhakti where apparent emotions are pedagogical)
FAQs
This verse highlights śravaṇa as a powerful, reverent act—people instinctively seek sacred hearing to counter ignorance and gain clarity about truth and dharma.
In the Preta Kanda’s broader frame, ignorance (ajñāna) binds the jīva to fear and confusion; reverent listening to true instruction is presented as a corrective that guides right understanding and right action.
Cultivate disciplined śravaṇa—regularly listen to authentic scriptural teaching with sincerity—then apply it through ethical living, self-inquiry, and mindful ritual observance.