Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 20
Guṇa-viveka, Haṁsa-gītā, and the Yoga that Cuts False Ego
दृष्ट्वा मां त उपव्रज्य कृत्वा पादाभिवन्दनम् । ब्रह्माणमग्रत: कृत्वा पप्रच्छु: को भवानिति ॥ २० ॥
dṛṣṭvā māṁ ta upavrajya kṛtvā pādābhivandanam brahmāṇam agrataḥ kṛtvā papracchuḥ ko bhavān iti
わたしを見た賢者たちは、梵天を先頭にして近づき、わたしの蓮華の御足に礼拝し、率直に問うた。「あなたは誰ですか。」
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura comments, “When Brahmā was unable to answer the question placed by the sages, he fixed his mind in thought of the Supreme Lord. The Lord then assumed the form of Haṁsa and appeared before Lord Brahmā and the sages, who proceeded to inquire about the specific identity of the Lord.”
FAQs
This verse shows the proper devotional response upon seeing the Lord—approaching Him and bowing at His feet—expressing humility and reverence before inquiry.
They positioned Brahmā as the foremost authority among them, indicating respect for the cosmic creator and seeking clarification through the highest recognized elder before addressing the Lord’s identity.
Approach spiritual knowledge with respect—first cultivate humility (like offering obeisance) and then ask sincere questions, seeking guidance from qualified teachers and sacred tradition.