Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 9
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
ज्योतिरादिरिवाभाति सङ्घातान्न विविच्यते । विदन्त्यात्मानमात्मस्थं मथित्वा कवयोऽन्तत: ॥ ९ ॥
jyotir-ādir ivābhāti saṅghātān na vivicyate vidanty ātmānam ātma-sthaṁ mathitvā kavayo ’ntataḥ
The Paramātmā, the all-pervading Supreme Personality of Godhead, dwells within the heart of every living being. As one discerns fire in wood or water in a pot, the wise perceive—by a person’s bhakti and conduct—how greatly the Lord’s favor rests upon him.
In Bhagavad-gītā (10.41) the Lord says:
FAQs
This verse explains that although the soul seems blended with the body’s material aggregate, the wise ultimately discern the indwelling Self as distinct—through deep inquiry and inner contemplation.
To show how something real can appear concealed within another substance: as fire is present yet not obvious in wood, the soul is present in the body yet not recognized without spiritual discernment.
Practice seeing yourself as the conscious witness rather than the body-mind—through study, reflection, and meditation—so identity shifts from temporary conditions to the enduring Self.