Shloka 41
Hari in the Primeval Waters: Prakṛti as Veil, the ‘Sleep’ Metaphor, and Brahmā’s Lotus-Channel Inquiry
शृणोति सततं ब्रह्मा न चिन्त्यात्तावताज्ञता / कदाचिद्दृश्यते ब्रह्मा दुः खी न च खगेश्वर
śṛṇoti satataṃ brahmā na cintyāttāvatājñatā / kadāciddṛśyate brahmā duḥ khī na ca khageśvara
إنَّ براهما دائمُ السَّمعِ دائمُ الانتباه؛ فلا يَنبغي أن يُظَنَّ أنَّ فيه جهلًا. ولم يُرَ براهما قطُّ حزينًا في أيِّ وقت، يا سيِّدَ الطيرِ (غارودا).
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Brahmā is ever-attentive (śravaṇa-satatatā) and not subject to ignorance or sorrow; divine cognition is constant.
Vedantic Theme: Nitya-jñāna and akartṛtva-like steadiness in higher beings; distinction between apparent and real limitation.
Application: Do not project human ignorance or grief onto higher principles; cultivate steadiness and attentive listening as a spiritual discipline.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: 3.11.42; 3.11.43-45
FAQs
It asserts Brahmā’s constant awareness and attentiveness, reinforcing that the cosmic order is overseen by a fully cognizant divine functionary, not by ignorance or negligence.
By affirming Brahmā’s unceasing awareness and freedom from grief, the verse supports the Purana’s broader idea that the after-death system (judgment, consequences, and transitions) operates under a stable, knowledgeable cosmic governance.
Adopt steadiness and clarity in duty: act responsibly without assuming the world is run by confusion, and cultivate equanimity—performing obligations without being overwhelmed by sorrow.