Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
यतो यतोऽहं तत्रासौ मृत्यु: प्राणभृतामिव । अतोऽहमस्य हृदयं प्रवेक्ष्यामि पराग्दृश: ॥ ९ ॥
yato yato ’haṁ tatrāsau mṛtyuḥ prāṇa-bhṛtām iva ato ’ham asya hṛdayaṁ pravekṣyāmi parāg-dṛśaḥ
यत्र यत्राहं गच्छामि तत्रासौ मृत्युरिव प्राणभृतां मां अनुगमिष्यति; अतः पराग्दृशोऽस्य हृदयमध्यं प्रवेक्ष्यामि, स मां न द्रक्ष्यति।
FAQs
This verse shows Bali Maharaja recognizing the Lord’s inescapable supremacy—like death before all beings—and choosing surrender, inviting the Lord to dwell in his heart.
Bali perceives that the Lord (Vamana/Trivikrama) is present wherever he turns; seeing no refuge in resistance, he resolves to accept the Lord internally through full-hearted surrender.
Instead of fighting what is ultimately unavoidable—time, change, and accountability—cultivate inner surrender: turn the mind toward God, accept correction, and live with humility and devotion.