Shloka 47
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
यथा हेम्नि स्थितो वह्निर्दुर्वर्णं हन्ति धातुजम् । एवमात्मगतो विष्णुर्योगिनामशुभाशयम् ॥ ४७ ॥
yathā hemni sthito vahnir durvarṇaṁ hanti dhātu-jam evam ātma-gato viṣṇur yoginām aśubhāśayam
यथा हेम्नि स्थितो वह्निर्दुर्वर्णं हन्ति धातुजम् । एवमात्मगतो विष्णुर्योगिनामशुभाशयम् ॥
Although one may practice the mystic yoga system, his actual spiritual advancement is due to the mercy of the Supreme Lord within the heart; it is not directly the result of his austerity and meditation. If one becomes foolishly proud in the name of yoga, his spiritual position becomes ridiculous.
FAQs
This verse explains that when Viṣṇu is realized within the heart, He burns away inner impurity—inauspicious intentions and desires—just as fire refines gold by removing discoloration.
Śukadeva teaches Parīkṣit how true spiritual practice purifies consciousness: meditation and absorption in Viṣṇu within the heart destroys lingering impurities and prepares one for liberation and devotion.
Regularly center the mind on Viṣṇu (through sincere meditation, prayer, and remembrance), and treat recurring negative impulses as impurities to be refined—steadily replaced by pure intention and devotion.