Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 4
Nārada’s Questions and Brahmā’s Reply: Vāsudeva as the Source; Sarga–Visarga; Virāṭ-rūpa Mapping
यद्विज्ञानो यदाधारो यत्परस्त्वं यदात्मक: । एक: सृजसि भूतानि भूतैरेवात्ममायया ॥ ४ ॥
yad-vijñāno yad-ādhāro yat-paras tvaṁ yad-ātmakaḥ ekaḥ sṛjasi bhūtāni bhūtair evātma-māyayā
Ô père, quelle est la source de ta connaissance ? Sous la protection de qui te tiens-tu, et sous l’autorité de qui agis-tu ? Quelle est ta position véritable ? Es-tu seul à créer tous les êtres avec les éléments matériels par ton énergie propre, l’ātma-māyā ?
It was known to Śrī Nārada Muni that Lord Brahmā attained creative energy by undergoing severe austerities. As such, he could understand that there was someone else superior to Brahmājī who invested Brahmā with the power of creation. Therefore he asked all the above questions. Discoveries of progressive scientific achievements are therefore not independent. The scientist has to attain the knowledge of a thing already existing by means of the wonderful brain made by someone else. A scientist can work with the help of such an awarded brain, but it is not possible for the scientist to create his own or a similar brain. Therefore no one is independent in the matter of any creation, nor is such creation automatic.
FAQs
This verse states that the Supreme Lord, though one and non-dual, brings forth all beings by His own potency (ātma-māyā), even using the created elements/beings as instruments in the process of manifestation.
Brahmā acknowledges that the Lord is simultaneously the source of true knowledge, the substratum of existence, the highest transcendence, and the indwelling Self (Paramātmā) within all—therefore creation depends entirely on Him.
It encourages humility and ethical living—treating others with respect, reducing ego, and remembering a higher presence within all situations, which steadies the mind during uncertainty.