Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 16
Daśa-lakṣaṇam: The Ten Topics, Virāṭ-Puruṣa Sense-Manifestation, and the Supreme Shelter (Āśraya)
अनुप्राणन्ति यं प्राणा: प्राणन्तं सर्वजन्तुषु । अपानन्तमपानन्ति नरदेवमिवानुगा: ॥ १६ ॥
anuprāṇanti yaṁ prāṇāḥ prāṇantaṁ sarva-jantuṣu apānantam apānanti nara-devam ivānugāḥ
यथा नरदेवस्य अनुगा नृपं अनुगच्छन्ति, तथा यं प्राणाः अनुप्राणन्ति स सर्वजन्तुषु प्राणन्तं प्रेरयति; तस्य निवृत्तौ सर्वेऽपि अपानन्ति, इन्द्रियव्यापाराः शमं यान्ति।
The individual living entities are completely dependent on the total energy of the supreme puruṣa. No one has independent existence, just as no electric lamp has independent effulgence. Each and every electrical instrument depends fully on the total powerhouse, the total powerhouse depends on the reservoir of water for generating electricity, water depends on the clouds, the clouds depend on the sun, the sun depends on creation, and the creation depends on the movement of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Thus the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the cause of all causes.
FAQs
This verse states that the vital airs (prāṇa and apāna) function by following the Supreme Lord’s guidance within all beings, like attendants serving a king.
To show hierarchy and dependence: prāṇa does not act independently; it operates under the supreme rulership of the Lord present within everyone.
By cultivating humility and devotion—recognizing life and breath as gifts under divine control—one can practice gratitude, mindful living, and remembrance of the Lord.