Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 12
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
न तस्य कश्चित्तपसा विद्यया वा न योगवीर्येण मनीषया वा । नैवार्थधर्मै: परत: स्वतो वा कृतं विहन्तुं तनुभृद्विभूयात् ॥ १२ ॥
na tasya kaścit tapasā vidyayā vā na yoga-vīryeṇa manīṣayā vā naivārtha-dharmaiḥ parataḥ svato vā kṛtaṁ vihantuṁ tanu-bhṛd vibhūyāt
Aucun être incarné ne peut éviter l’ordre du Seigneur Suprême : ni par de sévères austérités, ni par une érudition élevée, ni par la puissance du yoga, la force physique ou l’intelligence. Ni la religion, ni l’opulence, ni l’effort personnel, ni l’aide d’autrui ne permettent de braver Ses commandements.
In the Bṛhad-āraṇyaka Upaniṣad (3.8.9), Yājñavalkya says to Gārgī, the daughter of Garga Muni, etasya vā akṣarasya praśāsane gargi sūryā-candramasau vidhṛtau tiṣṭhataḥ: “ My dear Gārgī, everything is under the control of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Even the sun, the moon and other controllers and demigods like Lord Brahmā and King Indra are all under His control.” An ordinary human being or animal who has accepted a material body cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s control. A material body includes senses. However, the sense activities of so-called scientists who try to be free from God’s law or the laws of nature are useless. This is also confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (7.14) . Mama māyā duratyayā: it is impossible to surpass the control of material nature, for the Supreme Personality of Godhead is working behind it. Sometimes we are proud of our austerities, penances and mystic yogic powers, but it is clearly stated herein that one cannot surpass the laws and directions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, either by dint of mystic power, a scientific education, or austerities and penances. It is impossible.
FAQs
This verse states that no one can obstruct the Lord’s actions—not by tapas, learning, yogic power, or intellect—because His will and work are supreme.
In the context of Ṛṣabhadeva’s divine appearance and activities, Śukadeva highlights that the Supreme Lord’s mission is beyond material opposition; even great human efforts cannot cancel His purpose.
Do your duty sincerely, but cultivate humility and surrender—accepting that outcomes ultimately rest with the Supreme, not merely with personal power, strategy, or intelligence.