Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 24
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
अन्वयव्यतिरेकेण विवेकेनोशतात्मना । स्वर्गस्थानसमाम्नायैर्विमृशद्भिरसत्वरै: ॥ २४ ॥
anvaya-vyatirekeṇa vivekenośatātmanā svarga-sthāna-samāmnāyair vimṛśadbhir asatvaraiḥ
ด้วยปัญญาแห่งการพิจารณาแบบอนวยะ‑วยติเรกะ ผู้มีใจบริสุทธิ์และสุขุมพึงไตร่ตรองความเกี่ยวข้องและความแตกต่างของอาตมันกับสรรพสิ่งที่มีการเกิด‑ดำรง‑ดับ แล้วแสวงหาความจริงแห่งวิญญาณ
A sober person can study himself and distinguish the soul from the body by analytical study. For example, when one considers his body — his head, his hands and so on — one can certainly understand the difference between the spirit soul and the body. No one says, “I head.” Everyone says, “My head.” Thus there are two entities — the head and “I.” They are not identical, although they appear to be one conglomeration.
FAQs
This verse recommends calm, unhurried reflection and discernment—using the logic of presence and absence (anvaya-vyatireka)—to properly understand teachings, including promises of heavenly results.
Prahlāda instructed the asura boys to think deeply and without haste, so they would not be misled by merely attractive results like heaven, but would discern the higher spiritual conclusion.
Evaluate teachings by what consistently leads to lasting transformation versus what disappears with changing circumstances, and make decisions patiently rather than chasing quick, temporary “results.”