Shloka 16
Yamarāja Instructs the Yamadūtas: Supreme Authority, Mahājanas, and the Glory of the Holy Name
यं वै न गोभिर्मनसासुभिर्वा हृदा गिरा वासुभृतो विचक्षते । आत्मानमन्तर्हृदि सन्तमात्मनां चक्षुर्यथैवाकृतयस्तत: परम् ॥ १६ ॥
yaṁ vai na gobhir manasāsubhir vā hṛdā girā vāsu-bhṛto vicakṣate ātmānam antar-hṛdi santam ātmanāṁ cakṣur yathaivākṛtayas tataḥ param
ਜੀਵ ਨਾ ਇੰਦ੍ਰੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ, ਨਾ ਮਨ ਨਾਲ, ਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ-ਵਾਯੂ ਨਾਲ, ਨਾ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਾਰਾਂ ਨਾਲ, ਨਾ ਬਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਉਚਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਯਥਾਰਥ ਜਾਣ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ। ਉਹ ਸਭ ਦੇ ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਅੰਤਰਯਾਮੀ ਰੂਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ; ਜਿਵੇਂ ਸਰੀਰ ਦੇ ਅੰਗ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦੇ, ਤਿਵੇਂ ਜੀਵ ਪਰਮੇਸ਼्वर ਨੂੰ ਨਹੀਂ ਦੇਖ ਸਕਦਾ।
Although the different parts of the body do not have the power to see the eyes, the eyes direct the movements of the body’s different parts. The legs move forward because the eyes see what is in front of them, and the hand touches because the eyes see touchable entities. Similarly, every living being acts according to the direction of the Supersoul, who is situated within the heart. As the Lord Himself confirms in Bhagavad-gītā (15.15) , sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo mattaḥ smṛtir jñānam apohanaṁ ca: “I am sitting in everyone’s heart and giving directions for remembrance, knowledge and forgetfulness.” Elsewhere in Bhagavad-gītā it is stated, īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe ’rjuna tiṣṭhati: “The Supreme Lord, as the Supersoul, is situated within the heart.” The living entity cannot do anything without the sanction of the Supersoul. The Supersoul is acting at every moment, but the living entity cannot understand the form and activities of the Supersoul by manipulating his senses. The example of the eyes and the bodily limbs is very appropriate. If the limbs could see, they could walk forward without the help of the eyes, but that is impossible. Although one cannot see the Supersoul in one’s heart through sensual activities, His direction is necessary.
FAQs
This verse says the Lord is not grasped by senses, mind, prāṇa, or mere speech; devotees perceive Him as Paramātmā dwelling within the heart of all beings.
In Canto 6 Chapter 3, Yamarāja corrects the Yamadūtas after Ajāmila’s deliverance, teaching them that the Lord and His devotees are understood through bhakti and inner realization, not material criteria.
Practice remembrance of the Lord within—through nāma-japa, prayer, and ethical living—so decisions and relationships are guided by conscience and devotion rather than impulsive sense-driven habits.