Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 45
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
यावन्नृकायरथमात्मवशोपकल्पं धत्ते गरिष्ठचरणार्चनया निशातम् । ज्ञानासिमच्युतबलो दधदस्तशत्रु: स्वानन्दतुष्ट उपशान्त इदं विजह्यात् ॥ ४५ ॥
yāvan nṛ-kāya-ratham ātma-vaśopakalpaṁ dhatte gariṣṭha-caraṇārcanayā niśātam jñānāsim acyuta-balo dadhad asta-śatruḥ svānanda-tuṣṭa upaśānta idaṁ vijahyāt
As long as one must bear this material body—like a chariot with parts and equipment not fully under one’s control—one should worship the lotus feet of one’s superiors, the spiritual master and the preceding ācāryas. By their mercy the sword of knowledge is sharpened, and by the grace-power of Acyuta one conquers the enemies described. Thus, satisfied in transcendental bliss and pacified, the devotee may leave the body and return to one’s spiritual identity.
In Bhagavad-gītā (4.9) the Lord says:
FAQs
This verse teaches that as long as one has the human body, one should use it under self-control for worship of the Lord’s feet and realized knowledge, so that one can peacefully give up the body in spiritual fulfillment.
Prahlada emphasizes that true strength to wield knowledge and defeat inner enemies comes from Acyuta (the infallible Lord); devotion empowers realization so it becomes transformative, not merely intellectual.
Cultivate steady worship and remembrance of the Lord, study with humility, and use realized discernment to cut down lust, anger, greed, and fear—then live and act from inner peace rather than agitation.