Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 10
Vṛtrāsura Instructs Indra on Providence and Devotion; The Slaying of Vṛtrāsura
यथा दारुमयी नारी यथा पत्रमयो मृग: । एवं भूतानि मघवन्नीशतन्त्राणि विद्धि भो: ॥ १० ॥
yathā dārumayī nārī yathā patramayo mṛgaḥ evaṁ bhūtāni maghavann īśa-tantrāṇi viddhi bhoḥ
O King Indra, just as a wooden doll shaped like a woman, or an animal made of grass and leaves, cannot move or dance on its own but depends on the one who handles it, so all of us dance according to the will of the supreme controller, Bhagavān. No one is independent.
This is confirmed in Caitanya-caritāmṛta ( Ādi 5.142) :
FAQs
This verse states that beings function like puppets—like a wooden doll or a leaf-deer—acting under the Lord’s direction (īśa-tantra), emphasizing God’s ultimate sovereignty.
In the midst of battle, Vṛtrāsura instructs Indra to see beyond ego and blame, reminding him that outcomes and actions unfold under the Supreme Lord’s governance, not merely personal power.
Do your duty sincerely, but release pride and anxiety over results—recognize a higher order at work, and cultivate humility, accountability, and devotion while acting responsibly.