Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 28
Bharata Mahārāja’s Attachment to a Deer and His Fall from Yoga
तत्रापि ह वा आत्मनो मृगत्वकारणं भगवदाराधनसमीहानुभावेनानुस्मृत्य भृशमनुतप्यमान आह ॥ २८ ॥
tatrāpi ha vā ātmano mṛgatva-kāraṇaṁ bhagavad-ārādhana-samīhānubhāvenānusmṛtya bhṛśam anutapyamāna āha.
鹿の身にありながらも、バラタ・マハーラージャは前生における堅固なバガヴァーンへの奉愛の力によって、その身に生まれた原因を悟った。過去と現在を思い、絶えず悔い改めつつ次のように語った。
This is a special concession for a devotee. Even if he attains a body that is nonhuman, by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead he advances further in devotional service, whether by remembering his past life or by natural causes. It is not easy for a common man to remember the activities of his past life, but Bharata Mahārāja could remember his past activities due to his great sacrifices and engagement in devotional service.
FAQs
This verse shows that the impressions (saṁskāras) of worshiping Bhagavān can remain even after taking another body, enabling remembrance of one’s past mistake and spiritual goal.
He remembered that his attachment led to his deer birth, and because he still retained devotional impressions, he deeply regretted losing his human opportunity for focused bhagavad-ārādhana.
Maintain steady devotion and avoid overpowering attachments; consistent sādhana creates lasting spiritual impressions that protect one’s consciousness even in difficult turns of life.