Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 33
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
यावदस्यास्वतन्त्रत्वं तावदीश्वरतो भयम् । य एतत् समुपासीरंस्ते मुह्यन्ति शुचार्पिता: ॥ ३३ ॥
yāvad asyāsvatantratvaṁ tāvad īśvarato bhayam ya etat samupāsīraṁs te muhyanti śucārpitāḥ
ตราบใดที่ชีวะยังไม่เป็นอิสระ เขาย่อมหวาดกลัวต่อเรา ผู้เป็นพระผู้เป็นเจ้าสูงสุด เพราะเรากำหนดผลแห่งกรรม ผู้ที่ยึดถือทัศนะวัตถุ เห็นความหลากหลายของคุณว่าเป็นจริง แล้วหมกมุ่นในความเพลิดเพลิน ย่อมจมอยู่ในความโศกเศร้าเสมอ
The living entity is bound in the network of illusion, but although he can understand that he is dependent upon superior powers, he does not want to serve the Supreme Lord. He thus becomes filled with fear of life itself. Desiring material sense gratification, the living entity, like the demon Kaṁsa, always fears destruction of his material arrangement. Remaining addicted to the flavors of material nature, one gradually sinks down into an irrational form of life.
FAQs
This verse explains that fear of the Supreme Controller persists as long as one remains bound and lacking inner freedom; bondage produces fear, while true spiritual freedom removes it.
Kṛṣṇa is teaching Uddhava how conditioned life creates fear and lamentation, and how mistaken attitudes toward dependence and bondage keep a person bewildered rather than liberated.
Notice where you feel controlled by impulses, anxiety, or external approval; replace that helplessness with disciplined devotion and self-mastery so dependence shifts from material forces to conscious surrender to the Lord.