Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 4
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
एवं सृष्टानि भूतानि प्रविष्ट: पञ्चधातुभि: । एकधा दशधात्मानं विभजन्जुषते गुणान् ॥ ४ ॥
evaṁ sṛṣṭāni bhūtāni praviṣṭaḥ pañca-dhātubhiḥ ekadhā daśadhātmānaṁ vibhajan juṣate guṇān
So tritt der Paramātmā durch die fünf Elemente in die Körper der geschaffenen Wesen ein, belebt Geist und Sinne; obwohl Er Einer ist, teilt Er sich gleichsam in zehn Funktionen und lässt die bedingte Seele die guṇas zur Sinneslust aufsuchen.
The following is a summary of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura’s commentary on this verse.
FAQs
This verse explains that after creating beings, the Lord enters them along with the five elements, remaining one yet appearing in multiple functions within the embodied life.
To show how the single Supreme presence is perceived through multiple internal divisions in the embodied condition, by which the living being’s experience of material qualities is made possible.
By recognizing that experiences arise through the guṇas, one can practice detachment, choose sāttvika habits, and turn consciousness toward devotion rather than being driven by rajas and tamas.