Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 10
Sāṅkhya Enumeration of Tattvas, Distinction of Puruṣa–Prakṛti, and the Mechanics of Birth and Death
अनाद्यविद्यायुक्तस्य पुरुषस्यात्मवेदनम् । स्वतो न सम्भवादन्यस्तत्त्वज्ञो ज्ञानदो भवेत् ॥ १० ॥
anādy-avidyā-yuktasya puruṣasyātma-vedanam svato na sambhavād anyas tattva-jño jñāna-do bhavet
Puisque l’être, voilé par l’ignorance depuis un temps sans commencement, ne peut réaliser le Soi par ses propres moyens, il faut une autre personne, connaissant la Vérité Absolue, pour lui transmettre ce savoir.
Although the Lord tolerates different methods of calculating material causes within their effects and material effects within their causes, there cannot be any speculation regarding the two spiritual elements found in this universe, namely the individual soul and the Supersoul. Lord Kṛṣṇa clearly states in this verse that the living entity is incapable of effecting his own enlightenment. The Supreme Lord is tattva-jña, omniscient, and jñāna-da, the spiritual master of the entire universe. Śrī Uddhava mentioned that some philosophers describe twenty-five elements and others twenty-six. The difference is that the twenty-six elements include a separate category for the individual soul and the Supreme Soul, Lord Kṛṣṇa, whereas the proponents of twenty-five elements artificially merge the two transcendental categories of jīva-tattva and viṣṇu-tattva, hiding the eternal supremacy of the Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse says that because the conditioned soul is bound by beginningless ignorance, Self-realization does not arise independently; it is received from a tattva-jña, a knower of Truth who can give knowledge.
Krishna is instructing Uddhava on the path of liberation, emphasizing that transcendental knowledge is not manufactured by the ignorant mind but is awakened through guidance from one who truly knows reality.
Seek authentic spiritual guidance, study under realized teachers, and avoid relying solely on self-made interpretations—because ignorance tends to reinforce itself without proper instruction.