Shloka 1
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
ऋषिरुवाच इति तासां स्वशक्तीनां सतीनामसमेत्य स: । प्रसुप्तलोकतन्त्राणां निशाम्य गतिमीश्वर: ॥ १ ॥
ṛṣir uvāca iti tāsāṁ sva-śaktīnāṁ satīnām asametya saḥ prasupta-loka-tantrāṇāṁ niśāmya gatim īśvaraḥ
The sage Maitreya said: When the Lord’s own potencies did not unite, the progressive functions of creation were suspended, as though the order of the worlds lay asleep; seeing this, the Supreme Lord set matters in motion.
There is nothing wanting in the creation of the Lord; all the potencies are there in a dormant state. But unless they are combined by the will of the Lord, nothing can progress. The suspended progressive work of creation can only be revived by the direction of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse describes the world-systems (loka-tantra) as lying dormant, and the Supreme Lord observing their condition before initiating the next phase of creation.
Maitreya Rishi is speaking, continuing his explanation of creation to Vidura in Canto 3.
It encourages seeing life as governed by higher principles—acting with patience and responsibility, and aligning one’s choices with dharma rather than impulsive reactions.