Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Sāṅkhya Enumeration of Tattvas, Distinction of Puruṣa–Prakṛti, and the Mechanics of Birth and Death
एकस्मिन्नपि दृश्यन्ते प्रविष्टानीतराणि च । पूर्वस्मिन् वा परस्मिन् वा तत्त्वे तत्त्वानि सर्वश: ॥ ८ ॥
ekasminn api dṛśyante praviṣṭānītarāṇi ca pūrvasmin vā parasmin vā tattve tattvāni sarvaśaḥ
Même dans un seul élément, on voit les autres éléments y être entrés. Qu’il s’agisse de la cause antérieure ou de l’effet ultérieur, en tout sens les éléments sont présents dans les éléments.
Since material elements are present within each other, there are innumerable ways to construe and categorize the material creation of God. Ultimately, however, the significant element is God Himself, who is the basis of all the transformations and permutations of the material cosmos. The creation of the material world takes place by a progression from subtle to gross elements, as explained in the sāṅkhya-yoga system of Lord Kapila. The example may be given that we find the dormant existence of an earthen pot within mud and also the existence of mud within the earthen pot. Similarly, one element is present within another, and ultimately all elements rest within the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is simultaneously within everything. By such explanations, Kṛṣṇa consciousness constitutes the ultimate scientific methodology for factually understanding this universe.
FAQs
This verse teaches that the material elements are not isolated; each contains the others, and all elements mutually permeate one another throughout manifestation.
Kṛṣṇa is guiding Uddhava in tattva-vicāra—clear discernment of reality—showing how the created elements are interwoven, helping Uddhava detach from superficial distinctions and fix his mind on the Supreme.
It encourages holistic vision: situations and people are interconnected, so cultivate humility, reduce rigid judgments, and practice steady devotion while seeing the world as an integrated arrangement under the Lord.