Shloka 35
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
यानास्थाय नरो राजन् न प्रमाद्येत कर्हिचित् । धावन् निमील्य वा नेत्रे न स्खलेन्न पतेदिह ॥ ३५ ॥
yān āsthāya naro rājan na pramādyeta karhicit dhāvan nimīlya vā netre na skhalen na pated iha
O König, wer diesen Prozess der Bhakti annimmt, wird auf seinem Weg in dieser Welt niemals fehlgehen; selbst wenn er mit geschlossenen Augen rennt, wird er weder stolpern noch fallen.
According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, the word añjaḥ (“easily”), which is used in the previous verse, is explained in this verse. He states, añjaḥ-padenoktaṁ su-karatvaṁ vivṛṇoti: “By the word añjaḥ the ease of performing bhakti-yoga is established, and this will be elaborated in the present verse.” In Bhagavad-gītā (9.2) the Lord Himself states, pratyakṣāvagamaṁ dharmyaṁ susukhaṁ kartum avyayam: “The process of devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead is eternal, and it is very joyfully and naturally performed.” Śrīla Prabhupāda comments, “The process of devotional service is a very happy one. Why? Devotional service consists of śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ, so one can simply hear the chanting of the glories of the Lord or can attend philosophical lectures on transcendental knowledge given by authorized ācāryas. Simply by sitting, one can learn; then one can eat the remnants of the food offered to God, nice palatable dishes. In every state devotional service is joyful. One can execute devotional service even in the most poverty-stricken condition. The Lord says, patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalam: He is ready to accept from the devotee any kind of offering, never mind what. Even a leaf, a flower, a bit of fruit or a little water, which are all available in every part of the world, can be offered by any person, regardless of social position, and will be accepted if offered with love. There are many instances of this in history. Simply by tasting the tulasī leaves offered to the lotus feet of the Lord, great sages like Sanat-kumāra became great devotees. Therefore the devotional process is very nice, and it can be executed in a happy mood. God accepts only the love with which things are offered to Him.”
FAQs
In this verse (11.2.35), the Bhagavatam warns that one should never be negligent; carelessness leads to stumbling and falling—whether in worldly duties or on the spiritual path.
Śukadeva is instructing Parīkṣit on disciplined, alert living—using a vivid analogy to emphasize steady vigilance, which is essential for progress in dharma and devotion.
Avoid complacency: stay attentive in daily responsibilities and in sādhana (chanting, hearing, conduct). Small lapses in awareness can cause major setbacks, so cultivate consistent mindfulness.