Shloka 14
Bhīṣmadeva’s Passing Away in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
सर्वं कालकृतं मन्ये भवतां च यदप्रियम् । सपालो यद्वशे लोको वायोरिव घनावलि: ॥ १४ ॥
sarvaṁ kāla-kṛtaṁ manye bhavatāṁ ca yad-apriyam sapālo yad-vaśe loko vāyor iva ghanāvaliḥ
Meiner Ansicht nach ist alles, was euch missfiel, das Werk der unausweichlichen Zeit. Unter ihrer Gewalt werden alle Welten fortgetragen, wie Wolken vom Wind getrieben werden.
There is control by time all over the space within the universe, as there is control by time all over the planets. All the big gigantic planets, including the sun, are being controlled by the force of air, as the clouds are carried by the force of air. Similarly, the inevitable kāla, or time, controls even the action of the air and other elements. Everything, therefore, is controlled by the supreme kāla, a forceful representative of the Lord within the material world. Thus Yudhiṣṭhira should not be sorry for the inconceivable action of time. Everyone has to bear the actions and reactions of time as long as one is within the conditions of the material world. Yudhiṣṭhira should not think that he had committed sins in his previous birth and is suffering the consequence. Even the most pious has to suffer the condition of material nature. But a pious man is faithful to the Lord, for he is guided by the bona fide brāhmaṇa and Vaiṣṇava following the religious principles. These three guiding principles should be the aim of life. One should not be disturbed by the tricks of eternal time. Even the great controller of the universe, Brahmājī, is also under the control of that time; therefore, one should not grudge being thus controlled by time despite being a true follower of religious principles.
FAQs
This verse states that Time is the driving force behind worldly changes, moving all beings—even rulers—like clouds carried by the wind.
In the aftermath of the Kurukshetra war, Yudhishthira reflects on painful outcomes and frames them as effects of Kala, encouraging acceptance of destiny beyond personal control.
It encourages steadiness: recognize that many changes are beyond control, reduce blame and resentment, and respond with dharmic action and devotion rather than despair.