Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 5
Nārada Instructs Prācīnabarhiṣat: The Purañjana Narrative Begins
City of Nine Gates
राजोवाच न जानामि महाभाग परं कर्मापविद्धधी: । ब्रूहि मे विमलं ज्ञानं येन मुच्येय कर्मभि: ॥ ५ ॥
rājovāca na jānāmi mahā-bhāga paraṁ karmāpaviddha-dhīḥ brūhi me vimalaṁ jñānaṁ yena mucyeya karmabhiḥ
Le roi répondit : « Ô Nārada, grande âme, mon intelligence est empêtrée dans le karma à fruits; je ne connais donc pas le but ultime. Instruis-moi d’un savoir pur, afin que je sois délivré de l’enchevêtrement des actes intéressés. »
Śrī Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura has sung:
FAQs
This verse states that freedom from karmic bondage comes through receiving “vimala-jñāna” (pure, spotless knowledge) that clears the intelligence obscured by fruitive action.
He admits his understanding is clouded by karma-driven life and therefore requests the Avadhūta to instruct him in the higher truth that leads to liberation.
Shift from action motivated by personal gain to spiritual inquiry and devotional hearing—seeking guidance from genuine sādhus and studying Bhagavata wisdom to purify one’s intentions.