Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 85
Nārada Explains the Allegory of King Purañjana
Deha–Indriya–Manaḥ Mapping and the Remedy of Bhakti
अध्यात्मपारोक्ष्यमिदं मयाधिगतमद्भुतम् । एवं स्त्रियाश्रम: पुंसश्छिन्नोऽमुत्र च संशय: ॥ ८५ ॥
adhyātma-pārokṣyam idaṁ mayādhigatam adbhutam evaṁ striyāśramaḥ puṁsaś chinno ’mutra ca saṁśayaḥ
この驚くべき霊的深義の教えは、私が霊性の師から授かったものである。この寓意の目的を悟る者は身体同一視から解放され、死後の生を明晰に理解する。輪廻転生の理も、この物語を学ぶことで完全に把握できる。
The word striyā, meaning “along with the wife,” is significant. The male and female living together constitute the sum and substance of material existence. The attraction between male and female in this material world is very strong. In all species of life the attraction between male and female is the basic principle of existence. The same principle of intermingling is also in human society, but is in a regulative form. Material existence means living together as male and female and being attracted by one another. However, when one fully understands spiritual life, his attraction for the opposite sex is completely vanquished. By such attraction one becomes overly attached to this material world. It is a hard knot within the heart:
FAQs
This verse states that the soul can take different bodily conditions—male or female—in the next life according to karma, and that proper spiritual understanding removes doubt about this.
Nārada was concluding his instruction (through the allegory of Purañjana) to shift the king from ritualistic attachment toward clear spiritual knowledge and devotion, removing confusion about the soul’s transmigration.
Identify yourself as the soul rather than the body, act responsibly knowing actions shape future outcomes, and cultivate bhakti and detachment to dissolve anxiety about changing identities and circumstances.