Shloka 20
Kuntī’s Prayers and the Neutralization of the Brahmāstra
Uttarā Protected; Yudhiṣṭhira’s Grief Begins
तथा परमहंसानां मुनीनाममलात्मनाम् । भक्तियोगविधानार्थं कथं पश्येम हि स्त्रिय: ॥ २० ॥
tathā paramahaṁsānāṁ munīnām amalātmanām bhakti-yoga-vidhānārthaṁ kathaṁ paśyema hi striyaḥ
Du steigst herab, um die Wissenschaft des Bhakti-yoga in den Herzen der Paramahaṁsas und der Weisen mit reiner Seele zu begründen. Wie sollten dann wir Frauen Dich vollkommen erkennen können?
Even the greatest philosophical speculators cannot have access to the region of the Lord. It is said in the Upaniṣads that the Supreme Truth, the Absolute Personality of Godhead, is beyond the range of the thinking power of the greatest philosopher. He is unknowable by great learning or by the greatest brain. He is knowable only by one who has His mercy. Others may go on thinking about Him for years together, yet He is unknowable. This very fact is corroborated by the Queen, who is playing the part of an innocent woman. Women in general are unable to speculate like philosophers, but they are blessed by the Lord because they believe at once in the superiority and almightiness of the Lord, and thus they offer obeisances without reservation. The Lord is so kind that He does not show special favor only to one who is a great philosopher. He knows the sincerity of purpose. For this reason only, women generally assemble in great number in any sort of religious function. In every country and in every sect of religion it appears that the women are more interested than the men. This simplicity of acceptance of the Lord’s authority is more effective than showy insincere religious fervor.
FAQs
This verse says Kṛṣṇa is truly known by spotless sages and paramahaṁsas, yet He reveals Himself to establish bhakti-yoga—devotion is the practical path to recognize Him.
In Kuntī’s prayerful humility, she contrasts her social position with the realized paramahaṁsas, emphasizing that Kṛṣṇa is beyond material qualification and is approached through devotion, not status.
Approach God with humility and steady devotional practice—hearing, chanting, remembering—rather than relying on pride in learning, background, or identity.