Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 20
Parīkṣit’s Inquiry into Vṛtrāsura’s Bhakti and the Beginning of Citraketu’s Trial
यस्यात्मानुवशश्चेत्स्यात्सर्वे तद्वशगा इमे । लोका: सपाला यच्छन्ति सर्वे बलिमतन्द्रिता: ॥ २० ॥
yasyātmānuvaśaś cet syāt sarve tad-vaśagā ime lokāḥ sapālā yacchanti sarve balim atandritāḥ
Si la mente del rey está plenamente dominada, todos sus familiares y funcionarios quedan bajo su mando. Los gobernadores provinciales entregan puntualmente los tributos como ofrenda, sin resistencia; ¿qué decir entonces de los servidores menores?
Aṅgirā Ṛṣi asked the King whether his mind was also under control. This is most essential for happiness.
FAQs
This verse teaches that when a person brings the self (mind and senses) under control, everything else becomes manageable—so much so that even the rulers of the worlds are said to offer respect and tribute.
In the context of Canto 6, the narration highlights how true strength is inner mastery; Śukadeva points to self-control as the foundation of spiritual steadiness amid worldly upheavals and suffering.
Practice daily restraint—regulated habits, mindful speech, and disciplined devotion (sādhana)—because mastering one’s impulses reduces anxiety and makes one effective and respected in responsibilities.