Shloka 8
लोका: सपाला यस्येमे श्वसन्ति विवशा वशे । द्विजा इव शिचा बद्धा: स काल इह कारणम् ॥ ८ ॥
lokāḥ sapālā yasyeme śvasanti vivaśā vaśe dvijā iva śicā baddhāḥ sa kāla iha kāraṇam
Tous les êtres de tous les mondes, y compris les divinités régentes, sont entièrement sous la maîtrise du Seigneur. Tels des oiseaux pris au filet, ils n’ont point d’indépendance; Lui, en tant que Temps, est la cause.
The difference between the suras and the asuras is that the suras know that nothing can happen without the desire of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whereas the asuras cannot understand the supreme will of the Lord. In this fight, Vṛtrāsura is actually the sura, whereas Indra is the asura. No one can act independently; rather, everyone acts under the direction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore victory and defeat come according to the results of one’s karma, and the judgment is given by the Supreme Lord ( karmaṇā-daiva-netreṇa ). Since we act under the control of the Supreme according to our karma, no one is independent, from Brahmā down to the insignificant ant. Whether we are defeated or victorious, the Supreme Lord is always victorious because everyone acts under His directions.
FAQs
This verse states that all worlds and their rulers live and act under the irresistible control of Kāla—Time—so ultimate causality is not mere personal effort but the Lord’s governing Time potency.
Vṛtrāsura reminds Indra that victory and defeat are not independent achievements; they unfold under the higher control of Kāla, encouraging surrender and freedom from pride or fear in the face of death.
Recognizing that outcomes are governed by a higher order helps reduce anxiety and ego, encouraging sincere effort paired with humility, acceptance, and devotion.