Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 12
Ātmā’s Unborn Nature and Fearlessness at Death
Parīkṣit’s Final Instruction
अहं ब्रह्म परं धाम ब्रह्माहं परमं पदम् । एवं समीक्ष्य चात्मानमात्मन्याधाय निष्कले ॥ ११ ॥ दशन्तं तक्षकं पादे लेलिहानं विषाननै: । न द्रक्ष्यसि शरीरं च विश्वं च पृथगात्मन: ॥ १२ ॥
ahaṁ brahma paraṁ dhāma brahmāhaṁ paramaṁ padam evaṁ samīkṣya cātmānam ātmany ādhāya niṣkale
“Eu sou Brahman, a morada suprema; e esse Brahman, o destino supremo, não é diferente de mim.” Assim, contemplando-te e entregando-te ao Paramātmā sem mácula, não notarás Takṣaka quando, com presas cheias de veneno, morder teu pé; nem verás teu corpo agonizante ou o mundo material, pois terás realizado ser distinto deles.
FAQs
This verse teaches inward contemplation—recognizing the Self as Brahman and fixing the mind in the partless Absolute as a direct means toward liberation.
Because Parīkṣit was preparing to leave the body imminently, Śukadeva instructed the most direct, fear-transcending realization—identity with the imperishable Self.
Practice steady remembrance and self-observation: withdraw attention from panic and bodily fear, and anchor awareness in the changeless witness within.