Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 33
Pṛthu Pursues the Earth and the Earth Takes the Form of a Cow
Bhūmi as Gauḥ
सर्गादि योऽस्यानुरुणद्धि शक्तिभि- र्द्रव्यक्रियाकारकचेतनात्मभि: । तस्मै समुन्नद्धनिरुद्धशक्तये नम: परस्मै पुरुषाय वेधसे ॥ ३३ ॥
sargādi yo ’syānuruṇaddhi śaktibhir dravya-kriyā-kāraka-cetanātmabhiḥ tasmai samunnaddha-niruddha-śaktaye namaḥ parasmai puruṣāya vedhase
Mein Herr, durch Deine eigenen Potenzen bist Du die ursprüngliche Ursache der Elemente, der Handlung, der Werkzeuge (der Sinne), der Handelnden (der lenkenden Devas), ebenso von Geist, Intelligenz und Ego und von allem Übrigen. Durch Deine Energie wird dieses Weltall manifest, erhalten und wieder aufgelöst; mal erscheint es, mal nicht. Darum bist Du der höchste Purusha, die Ursache aller Ursachen. Dir bringe ich ehrerbietige Verneigungen dar.
All activities begin with the creation of the total energy, the mahat-tattva. Then, by the agitation of the three guṇas, the physical elements are created, as well as the mind, ego and the controllers of the senses. All of these are created one after another by the inconceivable energy of the Lord. In modern electronics, a mechanic may, by pushing only one button, set off an electronic chain reaction, by which so many actions are carried out one after another. Similarly, the Supreme Personality of Godhead pushes the button of creation, and different energies create the material elements and various controllers of the physical elements, and their subsequent interactions follow the inconceivable plan of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse says the Supreme Person harmonizes creation and all cosmic processes through His potencies—working via matter, action, the instruments of action, and conscious beings—while remaining the ultimate controller of those energies.
In the context of Canto 4 Chapter 17, Pṛthu speaks as a devotee-king recognizing that the universe’s order is ultimately arranged by the Supreme Person, the true ordainer behind all administrative and creative functions.
See your resources (dravya), actions (kriyā), tools and circumstances (kāraka), and your own consciousness (cetana) as coordinated by a higher order; act responsibly, but cultivate humility and devotion by offering results to the Supreme Controller.