Shloka 80
An exposition on the fruits of charity and on entry into a body
Garbhotpatti, Piṇḍa-śarīra, and Antya-kāla-kriyā
एवं संसारचक्रे ऽस्मिज्जन्तवो घटयन्त्रवत् / भ्राम्यन्ते प्राक्तनैर्बधैर्बद्धा विध्यन्ति चासकृत्
evaṃ saṃsāracakre 'smijjantavo ghaṭayantravat / bhrāmyante prāktanairbadhairbaddhā vidhyanti cāsakṛt
Thus, in this wheel of transmigration, beings revolve like a water-wheel, bound by the fetters of their former deeds, and they are struck again and again (by suffering and consequence).
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Beings revolve in samsara like a water-wheel, driven and constrained by prior karmic bonds, repeatedly struck by resultant experiences.
Vedantic Theme: Karma as upadhi sustaining samsara; avidya-driven repetition; need for viveka to seek release from cyclic causality.
Application: Contemplate cause-and-effect in one’s habits; reduce binding actions (attachment-driven karma); adopt disciplines that weaken vasanas (japa, dana, seva, meditation).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.32.81 (explicit moksha exhortation following this samsara metaphor)
FAQs
This verse frames saṃsāra as a mechanical, repetitive turning driven by past karma—showing that liberation requires cutting the bonds of previous deeds rather than merely seeking temporary relief.
It indicates that the jīva does not move freely; it is propelled and constrained by prāktana karma, repeatedly encountering pain and consequence, which in the Purana’s narrative connects to post-death experiences and eventual rebirth.
Act with dharma and restraint now—because habits and actions become “bonds” later—while cultivating spiritual disciplines (satkarma, charity, truthfulness, devotion) that reduce harmful karmic momentum.