Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 40
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
संसारसिन्धुमतिदुस्तरमुत्तितीर्षो- र्नान्य: प्लवो भगवत: पुरुषोत्तमस्य । लीलाकथारसनिषेवणमन्तरेण पुंसो भवेद् विविधदु:खदवार्दितस्य ॥ ४० ॥
saṁsāra-sindhum ati-dustaram uttitīrṣor nānyaḥ plavo bhagavataḥ puruṣottamasya līlā-kathā-rasa-niṣevaṇam antareṇa puṁso bhaved vividha-duḥkha-davārditasya
Pour celui qui, brûlé par le feu d’innombrables misères, désire traverser l’océan du saṁsāra si difficile à franchir, il n’est d’autre barque que la bhakti : servir et goûter la saveur transcendante des récits des līlās du Bhagavān, le Purusottama. Sans cela, l’homme est accablé par maintes portes de souffrance.
Although it is not possible to completely describe the pastimes of the Lord, even a partial appreciation can save one from the unbearable miseries of material existence. The fever of material existence can be removed only by the medicine of the holy name and pastimes of the Supreme Lord, which are perfectly narrated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
FAQs
This verse says there is no real “boat” other than Bhagavān Puruṣottama, and that one crosses by relishing His līlā-kathā—devotional hearing and absorption in His pastimes.
In the concluding teachings, Śukadeva highlights that intellectual or worldly supports cannot rescue one from repeated misery; only bhakti—especially śravaṇam of the Lord’s pastimes—carries the soul beyond material existence.
Make steady time for hearing/reading Bhagavatam and Krishna-līlā (with attention and taste), and let that devotional focus become your primary refuge rather than temporary fixes that don’t address the root of suffering.