Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 5
Nārada Instructs Prācīnabarhiṣat: The Purañjana Narrative Begins
City of Nine Gates
राजोवाच न जानामि महाभाग परं कर्मापविद्धधी: । ब्रूहि मे विमलं ज्ञानं येन मुच्येय कर्मभि: ॥ ५ ॥
rājovāca na jānāmi mahā-bhāga paraṁ karmāpaviddha-dhīḥ brūhi me vimalaṁ jñānaṁ yena mucyeya karmabhiḥ
Raja menjawab: “Wahai Nārada yang mulia, akalku terjerat dalam karma yang mengharap hasil; sebab itu aku tidak mengetahui tujuan tertinggi. Mohon ajarkan kepadaku pengetahuan yang suci, agar aku terlepas daripada belenggu karma.”
Śrī Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura has sung:
FAQs
This verse states that freedom from karmic bondage comes through receiving “vimala-jñāna” (pure, spotless knowledge) that clears the intelligence obscured by fruitive action.
He admits his understanding is clouded by karma-driven life and therefore requests the Avadhūta to instruct him in the higher truth that leads to liberation.
Shift from action motivated by personal gain to spiritual inquiry and devotional hearing—seeking guidance from genuine sādhus and studying Bhagavata wisdom to purify one’s intentions.