Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 36
Sāṅkhya Enumeration of Tattvas, Distinction of Puruṣa–Prakṛti, and the Mechanics of Birth and Death
श्रीउद्धव उवाच त्वत्त: परावृत्तधिय: स्वकृतै: कर्मभि: प्रभो । उच्चावचान् यथा देहान् गृह्णन्ति विसृजन्ति च ॥ ३५ ॥ तन्ममाख्याहि गोविन्द दुर्विभाव्यमनात्मभि: । न ह्येतत् प्रायशो लोके विद्वांस: सन्ति वञ्चिता: ॥ ३६ ॥
śrī-uddhava uvāca tvattaḥ parāvṛtta-dhiyaḥ sva-kṛtaiḥ karmabhiḥ prabho uccāvacān yathā dehān gṛhṇanti visṛjanti ca
Ô Govinda, dis-le-moi : pour ceux qui sont sans conscience de l’âme, ce sujet est très difficile à saisir. Dans ce monde, trompés par la māyā, même les savants, le plus souvent, n’en prennent pas connaissance.
No one can be considered intelligent without understanding the science of God, which includes a description of the negative results of those who have forgotten their eternal relationship with Him. There are many so-called wise men in the world, but although considering themselves to be most intelligent, they generally do not surrender to the supreme intelligence of the Lord. Thus they concoct varieties of philosophies according to their positions within the modes of nature. However, one cannot escape the influence of material nature through philosophy generated from that same illusory nature. Liberation is achieved by perfect knowledge coming from the spiritual platform, the kingdom of God. By faithfully hearing from Lord Kṛṣṇa and His authorized representatives one can easily achieve liberation and go back home, back to Godhead.
FAQs
This verse states that the subject is hard to grasp for those without self-mastery, and that even the learned are often bewildered—implying realization requires inner discipline and divine guidance, not mere scholarship.
Uddhava recognizes that the truth being discussed is subtle and easily misunderstood in the world, so he directly requests Kṛṣṇa (Govinda) to clarify it authoritatively.
Combine study with self-discipline and devotion—seek guidance from Kṛṣṇa through sincere bhakti, humility, and steady practice—so knowledge becomes realized wisdom rather than mere information.