Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 6
Brahmā’s Tapasya, the Vision of Vaikuṇṭha, and the Lord’s Seed Instructions
Catuḥ-śloki
स चिन्तयन् द्वयक्षरमेकदाम्भ- स्युपाशृणोद् द्विर्गदितं वचो विभु: । स्पर्शेषु यत्षोडशमेकविंशं निष्किञ्चनानां नृप यद् धनं विदु: ॥ ६ ॥
sa cintayan dvy-akṣaram ekadāmbhasy upāśṛṇod dvir-gaditaṁ vaco vibhuḥ sparśeṣu yat ṣoḍaśam ekaviṁśaṁ niṣkiñcanānāṁ nṛpa yad dhanaṁ viduḥ
O König, während er so nachdachte, hörte Brahmā im Wasser aus der Nähe ein zweisilbiges Wort, das zweimal gesprochen wurde. Eine Silbe stammte aus der sechzehnten und die andere aus der einundzwanzigsten der sparśa-Laute; vereint ergaben sie „tapa“, den Reichtum der Entsagten.
In Sanskrit language, the consonant alphabets are divided into two divisions, namely the sparśa-varṇas and the tālavya-varṇas. From ka to ma the letters are known as the sparśa-varṇas, and the sixteenth of the group is called ta, whereas the twenty-first letter is called pa. So when they are joined together, the word tapa, or penance, is constructed. This penance is the beauty and wealth of the brāhmaṇas and the renounced order of life. According to Bhāgavata philosophy, every human being is meant simply for this tapa and for no other business, because by penance only can one realize his self; and self-realization, not sense gratification, is the business of human life. This tapa, or penance, was begun from the very beginning of the creation, and it was first adopted by the supreme spiritual master, Lord Brahmā. By tapasya only can one get the profit of human life, and not by a polished civilization of animal life. The animal does not know anything except sense gratification in the jurisdiction of eat, drink, be merry and enjoy. But the human being is made to undergo tapasya for going back to Godhead, back home.
FAQs
In 2.9.6, Brahmā meditates on a two-syllabled mantra, and the Supreme Lord responds—showing that sincere mantra-japa and contemplation can invoke direct divine guidance.
Śukadeva explains how Brahmā received the Lord’s instruction through meditation, teaching Parīkṣit that bhakti-centered practice—especially mantra remembrance—brings the Lord’s mercy and realization.
Cultivate inner wealth by steady mantra practice and reducing dependence on external possessions for happiness—living simply while keeping the mind anchored in devotion.