Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 11
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
तस्माज्जिज्ञासयात्मानमात्मस्थं केवलं परम् । सङ्गम्य निरसेदेतद्वस्तुबुद्धिं यथाक्रमम् ॥ ११ ॥
tasmāj jijñāsayātmānam ātma-sthaṁ kevalaṁ param saṅgamya nirased etad vastu-buddhiṁ yathā-kramam
ゆえに、知の修習によって自己の内に住まう至上主に近づけ。主の清浄で超越した存在を悟り、世界を独立の実在と見る誤った見解を次第に捨てよ。
The word yathā-kramam (“step by step”) means that after first realizing oneself to be different from the gross material body one should then progressively detach oneself from material mental activities. In this verse etad vastu-buddhim means seeing the material world as existing independently rather than correctly seeing all things as emanations of the Absolute Truth.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should inquire into the Supreme Self present within the heart, and through such inquiry—supported by saintly association—realize the true Reality beyond temporary material designations.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on liberation and devotion, emphasizing that correct knowledge arises through inner inquiry and satsanga, which removes the false sense that worldly objects are ultimate reality.
Regularly study Bhagavatam with devotees, reflect on the impermanence of possessions and roles, and cultivate remembrance of the indwelling Lord—gradually shifting identity from external achievements to spiritual understanding and service.