Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 31
Bhakti as the Supreme Process; Detachment and the Rudiments of Meditation
श्रीउद्धव उवाच यथा त्वामरविन्दाक्ष यादृशं वा यदात्मकम् । ध्यायेन्मुमुक्षुरेतन्मे ध्यानं त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि ॥ ३१ ॥
śrī-uddhava uvāca yathā tvām aravindākṣa yādṛśaṁ vā yad-ātmakam dhyāyen mumukṣur etan me dhyānaṁ tvaṁ vaktum arhasi
Śrī Uddhava disse: Ó Kṛṣṇa de olhos de lótus, por qual processo deve meditar em Ti aquele que deseja a libertação, que natureza específica deve contemplar, e em qual forma deve fixar a mente? Por favor, explica-me este tema da meditação.
It has already been elaborately explained by the Supreme Lord that without loving devotional service rendered to Him in the association of devotees, no other process of self-realization will work. Therefore it may be asked why Uddhava is again referring to the system of meditation, dhyāna. The ācāryas explain that one cannot fully appreciate the beauty and perfection of bhakti-yoga unless one sees its superiority to all other processes. Through comparative analysis, the devotees become fully ecstatic in their appreciation of bhakti-yoga. It should also be understood that although Uddhava asks about those who aspire for liberation, he is not actually a mumukṣu, or salvationist; rather, he is asking questions for the benefit of those who are not on the platform of love of Godhead. Uddhava wants to hear this knowledge for his personal appreciation and so that those who pursue salvation, or liberation, can be protected and redirected to the path of pure devotional service to the Supreme Lord.
FAQs
In this verse, Uddhava asks Krishna to define exactly how a liberation-seeker should meditate—on what form and essential nature of the Lord—showing that Bhagavatam meditation is centered on the personal Supreme (Krishna) and His true identity.
In the Uddhava-gītā setting of Canto 11, Uddhava seeks direct guidance from Krishna before Krishna’s departure, requesting precise instruction so meditation is properly fixed on the Lord’s form and reality rather than vague or mistaken conceptions.
Approach meditation with clarity: choose a definite object of contemplation—Krishna’s lotus-eyed form and His divine nature—and seek authentic guidance (śāstra and guru) so your practice becomes focused, devotional, and transformative.