Shloka 13
Nārada Instructs the Pracetās: Bhakti as the Goal of All Paths
श्रेयसामपि सर्वेषामात्मा ह्यवधिरर्थत: । सर्वेषामपि भूतानां हरिरात्मात्मद: प्रिय: ॥ १३ ॥
śreyasām api sarveṣām ātmā hy avadhir arthataḥ sarveṣām api bhūtānāṁ harir ātmātmadaḥ priyaḥ
In truth, the ultimate end of all auspicious paths is self-realization; and for all beings, Hari is the Soul of the soul, the giver of the Self, and the dearest Lord.
The living entity is the marginal energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the material world is the external energy. Under the circumstances, one must understand that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is factually the original source of both matter and spirit. This is explained in the Seventh Chapter of Bhagavad-gītā (7.4-5):
FAQs
This verse identifies Hari as the ātmā within all beings—the indwelling Self—and therefore the most beloved, since He grants true inner fulfillment and realization.
In their prayers, the Pracetās explain that Hari is dear to everyone because He resides as the inner Self and gives the soul its true good—self-realization and ultimate welfare.
Remembering Hari as the indwelling witness fosters compassion, self-control, and devotion—helping one act ethically and stay oriented toward lasting spiritual well-being.