Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 6
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
पुरा सृष्टा ह्योषधयो ब्रह्मणा या विशाम्पते । भुज्यमाना मया दृष्टा असद्भिरधृतव्रतै: ॥ ६ ॥
purā sṛṣṭā hy oṣadhayo brahmaṇā yā viśāmpate bhujyamānā mayā dṛṣṭā asadbhir adhṛta-vrataiḥ
王よ、かつて梵天ブラフマーが創った種子・根・薬草・穀物が、今やバクティも霊的理解も欠く者たちによって用いられているのを、私は見ている。
Lord Brahmā created this material world for the use of the living entities, but it was created according to a plan that all living entities who might come into it to dominate it for sense gratification would be given directions by Lord Brahmā in the Vedas in order that they might ultimately leave it and return home, back to Godhead. All necessities grown on earth — namely fruits, flowers, trees, grains, animals and animal by-products — were created for use in sacrifice for the satisfaction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu. However, the planet earth in the shape of a cow herein submits that all these utilities are being used by nondevotees, who have no plans for spiritual understanding. Although there are immense potencies within the earth for the production of grains, fruits and flowers, this production is checked by the earth itself when it is misused by nondevotees, who have no spiritual goals. Everything belongs to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and everything can be used for His satisfaction. Things should not be used for the sense gratification of the living entities. This is the whole plan of material nature according to the directions of this material nature.
FAQs
This verse shows that nature’s gifts (herbs created by Brahmā) become degraded when consumed by impious, undisciplined people; it implies the need for dharmic restraint and proper stewardship.
She explains the disorder on Earth—resources being exploited by the unrighteous—setting the context for Pṛthu’s role as a dharmic ruler who will regulate and restore prosperity.
Adopt self-restraint—ethical consumption, avoiding waste, and living by principles—so that resources are used responsibly rather than driven by unchecked desire.