Shloka 41
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
यद्वनस्पतयो भीता लताश्चौषधिभि: सह । स्वे स्वे कालेऽभिगृह्णन्ति पुष्पाणि च फलानि च ॥ ४१ ॥
yad vanaspatayo bhītā latāś cauṣadhibhiḥ saha sve sve kāle ’bhigṛhṇanti puṣpāṇi ca phalāni ca
Out of awe of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the trees, creepers, and healing herbs blossom and bear fruit, each in its own season.
As the sun rises and sets and the seasonal changes ensue at their appointed times by the superintendence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, so the seasonal plants, flowers, herbs and trees all grow under the direction of the Supreme Lord. It is not that plants grow automatically, without any cause, as the atheistic philosophers say. Rather, they grow in pursuance of the supreme order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is confirmed in the Vedic literature that the Lord’s diverse energies are working so nicely that it appears that everything is being done automatically.
FAQs
It says that when the Lord is present, trees, creepers, and herbs—moved by awe—naturally yield their flowers and fruits in due season, as if offering service.
Kapila uses devotional poetry to show that all of prakṛti is under the Lord’s control and, sensing His majesty, behaves perfectly—like a servant responding to the master’s presence.
Cultivate the vision that everything in nature ultimately belongs to Bhagavan and can be engaged in service—living with gratitude, restraint, and reverence rather than exploitation.