Shloka 48
Vidura’s Questions on Devotion and Sarga; Maitreya Begins the Account of Creation
तत्ते वयं लोकसिसृक्षयाद्य त्वयानुसृष्टास्त्रिभिरात्मभि: स्म । सर्वे वियुक्ता: स्वविहारतन्त्रं न शक्नुमस्तत्प्रतिहर्तवे ते ॥ ४८ ॥
tat te vayaṁ loka-sisṛkṣayādya tvayānusṛṣṭās tribhir ātmabhiḥ sma sarve viyuktāḥ sva-vihāra-tantraṁ na śaknumas tat pratihartave te
O Original Person, we are Yours alone. For the sake of creating the worlds You brought us forth one after another under the three modes; thus our actions became divided, and after creation we could not act in unison for Your transcendental pleasure.
The cosmic creation is working under the influence of the three modes of the external potency of the Lord. Different creatures are also under the same influence, and therefore they cannot act concertedly in satisfying the Lord. Because of this diverse activity, there cannot be any harmony in the material world. The best policy, therefore, is to act for the sake of the Lord. That will bring about the desired harmony.
FAQs
This verse shows that even empowered beings like Brahmā and the devas cannot proceed with creation independently; separated in their functions, they require Viṣṇu’s direction and enabling power.
Because, though manifested for the purpose of universal creation, they were “viyuktāḥ”—not harmonized—and confined to their own roles, so they appealed to the Lord to unite and empower their efforts.
It emphasizes humility and alignment with a higher purpose: talent and position alone may not succeed unless guided by divine will, right coordination, and service-oriented intention.