Shloka 43
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
नभो ददाति श्वसतां पदं यन्नियमादद: । लोकं स्वदेहं तनुते महान् सप्तभिरावृतम् ॥ ४३ ॥
nabho dadāti śvasatāṁ padaṁ yan-niyamād adaḥ lokaṁ sva-dehaṁ tanute mahān saptabhir āvṛtam
Under His regulation, the sky grants space wherein the many worlds abide and sustain innumerable living beings. The vast universal body expands with its seven coverings, all under His supreme control.
It is understood from this verse that all the planets in outer space are floating, and they all hold living entities. The word śvasatām means “those who breathe,” or the living entities. In order to accommodate them, there are innumerable planets. Every planet is a residence for innumerable living entities, and the necessary space is provided in the sky by the supreme order of the Lord. It is also stated here that the total universal body is increasing. It is covered by seven layers, and as there are five elements within the universe, so the total elements, in layers, cover the outside of the universal body. The first layer is of earth, and it is ten times greater in size than the space within the universe; the second layer is water, and that is ten times greater than the earthly layer; the third covering is fire, which is ten times greater than the water covering. In this way each layer is ten times greater than the previous one.
FAQs
This verse describes ether (nabhas) as providing space for all breathing beings and, by its governing principle, sustaining the worlds—vastly pervading creation while the universe remains enclosed by seven coverings.
Kapila is explaining cosmic structure: ether pervades the universe as an all-accommodating element, yet the entire cosmos is said to be wrapped in seven successive layers, highlighting both its expansiveness and the bounded nature of the material world.
It encourages a broader vision: just as space accommodates all, a devotee cultivates inner spaciousness—tolerance, humility, and awareness that the material world is structured and limited—turning the mind toward the transcendental shelter of bhakti.