Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 21
Nārāyaṇa’s Impartiality, Absorption in Kṛṣṇa, and the Jaya–Vijaya Descent
Prelude to Prahlāda’s History
एतद्भ्राम्यति मे बुद्धिर्दीपार्चिरिव वायुना । ब्रूह्येतदद्भुततमं भगवान्ह्यत्र कारणम् ॥ २१ ॥
etad bhrāmyati me buddhir dīpārcir iva vāyunā brūhy etad adbhutatamaṁ bhagavān hy atra kāraṇam
Ceci est assurément des plus merveilleux. Mon intelligence est troublée, telle la flamme d’une lampe agitée par le vent. Ô Nārada Muni, toi qui sais tout, daigne m’exposer la cause de cet événement prodigieux.
The śāstras enjoin, tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet: when one is perplexed by the difficult problems of life, to solve them one must approach a guru like Nārada or his representative in the disciplic succession. Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira therefore requested Nārada to explain the cause for such a wonderful event.
FAQs
This verse shows that even sincere seekers can feel their intelligence shaken when divine arrangements seem puzzling, and the remedy is to inquire and hear the explanation with faith that Bhagavan is the ultimate cause.
In Canto 7, Parikshit is trying to understand an astonishing point about the Lord’s dealings and justice; he admits confusion and requests Shukadeva to clarify how the Supreme Lord is the true cause behind what appears contradictory.
Acknowledge confusion without losing faith, seek guidance from authentic scripture and teachers, and remember that deeper causes may be beyond immediate perception—steadiness comes through sincere inquiry and devotional hearing.