Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 1
The Universal Form (Virāṭ-Puruṣa): The Lord’s Entry into the Elements, the Devas, and the Origin of Varṇāśrama
ऋषिरुवाच इति तासां स्वशक्तीनां सतीनामसमेत्य स: । प्रसुप्तलोकतन्त्राणां निशाम्य गतिमीश्वर: ॥ १ ॥
ṛṣir uvāca iti tāsāṁ sva-śaktīnāṁ satīnām asametya saḥ prasupta-loka-tantrāṇāṁ niśāmya gatim īśvaraḥ
Disse o sábio Maitreya: como as potências do Senhor não se combinaram, as funções criadoras do universo ficaram suspensas, como se a ordem dos mundos dormisse; vendo isso, o Senhor tomou providência.
There is nothing wanting in the creation of the Lord; all the potencies are there in a dormant state. But unless they are combined by the will of the Lord, nothing can progress. The suspended progressive work of creation can only be revived by the direction of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse describes the world-systems (loka-tantra) as lying dormant, and the Supreme Lord observing their condition before initiating the next phase of creation.
Maitreya Rishi is speaking, continuing his explanation of creation to Vidura in Canto 3.
It encourages seeing life as governed by higher principles—acting with patience and responsibility, and aligning one’s choices with dharma rather than impulsive reactions.