Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 28
Chapter 19
श्री-उद्धव उवाच
यमः कति-विदः प्रोक्तो
नियमो वारि-कर्षण ।
कः शमः को दमः कृष्ण ॥
śrī-uddhava uvāca yamaḥ kati-vidhaḥ prokto / niyamo vāri-karṣaṇa kaḥ śamaḥ ko damaḥ kṛṣṇa //
श्रीउद्धव उवाच—हे कृष्ण, वारिकर्षण, यमः कति विधः प्रोक्तः? नियमः कः? शमः कः? दमः कः?
After hearing Kṛṣṇa’s distilled definitions of dharma, knowledge, renunciation, and divine opulence, Uddhava turns to the practical architecture of sādhana—ethical restraints and inner disciplines. In classical yoga and dharma literature, yama and niyama form the foundation for spiritual progress; śama and dama further refine the inner life by calming the mind and regulating the senses. Uddhava’s questions show the Bhāgavatam’s method: philosophy must become lived practice. Addressing Kṛṣṇa as vāri-karṣaṇa (“the one who draws away suffering/impurities”) highlights that these disciplines are not merely moralism; when centered on Bhagavān, they cleanse the heart and remove the causes of sorrow. This verse sets up Kṛṣṇa’s forthcoming systematic explanation, helping devotees understand how character, self-control, and devotion work together in the path of liberation and pure love of God.
FAQs
In 11.19.28, Uddhava asks Kṛṣṇa to define yama (restraints) and niyama (observances), introducing Kṛṣṇa’s forthcoming explanation of foundational spiritual disciplines.
Because śama (mind control) and dama (sense control) are essential to make spiritual knowledge and bhakti steady and practical, not merely theoretical.
They help reduce distraction and impulsive behavior by calming the mind and regulating the senses, making daily hearing, chanting, and service to Kṛṣṇa consistent and heartfelt.