Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 7
Bhakti as the Easy and Supreme Yoga: Seeing Kṛṣṇa in All and Uddhava’s Departure to Badarikāśrama
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युद्धवेनात्यनुरक्तचेतसा पृष्टो जगत्क्रीडनक: स्वशक्तिभि: । गृहीतमूर्तित्रय ईश्वरेश्वरो जगाद सप्रेममनोहरस्मित: ॥ ७ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca ity uddhavenāty-anurakta-cetasā pṛṣṭo jagat-krīḍanakaḥ sva-śaktibhiḥ gṛhīta-mūrti-traya īśvareśvaro jagāda sa-prema-manohara-smitaḥ
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: Thus questioned by Uddhava, whose heart was deeply devoted, Lord Kṛṣṇa—the controller of all controllers, who plays with the universe as His pastime and, by His energies, assumes the three forms of Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva—began to reply, showing a charming smile filled with love.
FAQs
It describes the Lord as jagat-krīḍanakaḥ—one who ‘plays’ with the universe—because He effortlessly operates creation through His own energies (sva-śaktibhiḥ), remaining the supreme controller (īśvareśvaraḥ).
This verse frames the dialogue: Uddhava, deeply devoted, inquires, and Krishna responds with affectionate clarity—signaling that the teachings that follow are intimate, bhakti-centered conclusions of the Uddhava Gītā section.
Approach spiritual learning like Uddhava—earnest, affectionate, and attentive—trusting that the Lord guides through His energies, and cultivate devotion that draws divine instruction into one’s daily choices.