Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 26
The Forest of Material Existence: Jaḍa Bharata Instructs King Rahūgaṇa
राजोवाच यो ह वा इह बहुविदा महाभागवत त्वयाभिहित: परोक्षेण वचसा जीवलोकभवाध्वा स ह्यार्यमनीषया कल्पितविषयो नाञ्जसाव्युत्पन्नलोकसमधिगम: । अथ तदेवैतद्दुरवगमं समवेतानुकल्पेन निर्दिश्यतामिति ॥ २६ ॥
rājovāca yo ha vā iha bahu-vidā mahā-bhāgavata tvayābhihitaḥ parokṣeṇa vacasā jīva-loka-bhavādhvā sa hy ārya-manīṣayā kalpita-viṣayo nāñjasāvyutpanna-loka-samadhigamaḥ; atha tad evaitad duravagamaṁ samavetānukalpena nirdiśyatām iti.
राजोवाच—हे महाभागवत, त्वया परोक्षेण वचसा जीवलोकस्य भवाध्वा बहुविधः सम्यगुक्तः। तत्र देहात्ममानिनः इन्द्रियाणि दस्यव इव, भार्या-पुत्रादयश्च शृगालादिवत् इति आर्यबुद्ध्या कल्पितार्थोऽयं दृष्टः; किन्तु मन्दबुद्धीनां नाञ्जसा तस्यार्थोऽवगम्यते, रूपकस्य दुरवगमत्वात्। अतः समवेतानुकल्पेन तदेव प्रत्यक्षार्थतो निर्दिश्यतामिति॥
There are many stories and incidents in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam that are described figuratively. Such allegorical descriptions may not be understood by unintelligent men; therefore it is the duty of the student to approach a bona fide spiritual master for the direct explanation.
FAQs
It says that the journey of the soul through material existence is difficult to grasp when explained indirectly, so one should request a clear, compassionate explanation from a great devotee to truly understand.
Because Jaḍa Bharata’s teaching was given in indirect language and Rahūgaṇa admitted the topic was hard to comprehend without fully awakened understanding, so he requested a more orderly and merciful explanation.
When spiritual teachings feel confusing, seek guidance from authentic devotees/teachers, ask humble questions, and request practical, step-by-step clarity rather than relying only on abstract or indirect ideas.