Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 9
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
वत्सं कल्पय मे वीर येनाहं वत्सला तव । धोक्ष्ये क्षीरमयान्कामाननुरूपं च दोहनम् ॥ ९ ॥ दोग्धारं च महाबाहो भूतानां भूतभावन । अन्नमीप्सितमूर्जस्वद्भगवान् वाञ्छते यदि ॥ १० ॥
vatsaṁ kalpaya me vīra yenāhaṁ vatsalā tava dhokṣye kṣīramayān kāmān anurūpaṁ ca dohanam
Ô vaillant héros, protecteur des êtres! Si tu veux soulager les créatures en leur donnant assez de grains et si tu désires tirer de moi le lait, prépare un veau approprié, un récipient pour le recueillir et un trayeur. Comme je suis pleine de tendresse pour mon veau, ton désir sera exaucé.
These are nice instructions for milking a cow. The cow must first have a calf so that out of affection for the calf she will voluntarily give sufficient milk. There must also be an expert milkman and a suitable pot in which to keep the milk. Just as a cow cannot deliver sufficient milk without being affectionate to her calf, the earth cannot produce sufficient necessities without feeling affection for those who are Kṛṣṇa conscious. Even though the earth’s being in the shape of a cow may be taken figuratively, the meaning herein is very explicit. Just as a calf can derive milk from a cow, all living entities — including animals, birds, bees, reptiles and aquatics — can receive their respective foods from the planet earth, provided that human beings are not asat, or adhṛta-vrata, as we have previously discussed. When human society becomes asat, or ungodly, or devoid of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the entire world suffers. If human beings are well-behaved, animals will also receive sufficient food and be happy. The ungodly human being, ignorant of his duty to give protection and food to the animals, kills them to compensate for the insufficient production of grains. Thus no one is satisfied, and that is the cause for the present condition in today’s world.
FAQs
In this verse Bhūmi-devī explains that when approached properly—with a suitable “calf” and correct method—she yields nourishment and desired necessities, implying prosperity comes through dharmic governance and right conduct.
Because, like a cow, the Earth yields abundance when there is a proper calf and a proper milking arrangement—symbolizing that resources manifest when the ruler establishes the right system and purpose.
Results come from correct process: align intention, tools, and method—whether in work, study, or stewardship of nature—rather than exploiting resources without order and responsibility.