Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Sāṅkhya of Creation and Annihilation
Sarga–Nirodha-viveka
अर्थस्तन्मात्रिकाज्जज्ञे तामसादिन्द्रियाणि च । तैजसाद् देवता आसन्नेकादश च वैकृतात् ॥ ८ ॥
arthas tan-mātrikāj jajñe tāmasād indriyāṇi ca taijasād devatā āsann ekādaśa ca vaikṛtāt
Du faux ego dans le mode de l’ignorance naquirent les tan-mātras, et d’elles furent engendrés les éléments grossiers. Du faux ego dans la passion surgirent les sens, et du faux ego dans la bonté (vaikṛta) apparurent les onze demi-dieux régents.
From false ego in the mode of ignorance, sound is generated along with the sense of hearing to receive it and the sky as its medium. Next, the sensation of touch, air and the sense of touch are generated, and thus from subtle to gross all of the elements and their perceptions are generated. The senses, because they are busily engaged in activity, are created from false ego in the mode of passion. From false ego in goodness come eleven demigods: the deities of the directions, the wind and the sun, Varuṇa, the Aśvinī deities, Agni, Indra, Upendra, Mitra, Brahmā and Candra.
FAQs
This verse explains that gross sense objects arise from the tan-mātras, the senses arise from tamas, and the presiding deities arise from rajas (taijasa), with the elevenfold sensory system manifesting from transformed ego (ahaṅkāra).
He teaches Parīkṣit the structure of material existence so the king can develop discrimination and detachment, turning the mind away from sense fascination and toward devotion to Bhagavān.
By recognizing that sensory urges are guṇa-driven products of material nature, one can practice restraint, reduce identification with the senses, and redirect attention to bhakti—hearing, chanting, and remembering the Lord.