Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 48
Devas in Dvārakā, Brahmā’s Petition, and Uddhava’s Appeal
Prabhāsa Departure Set-Up
वयं त्विह महायोगिन् भ्रमन्त: कर्मवर्त्मसु । त्वद्वार्तया तरिष्यामस्तावकैर्दुस्तरं तम: ॥ ४८ ॥ स्मरन्त: कीर्तयन्तस्ते कृतानि गदितानि च । गत्युत्स्मितेक्षणक्ष्वेलि यन्नृलोकविडम्बनम् ॥ ४९ ॥
vayaṁ tv iha mahā-yogin bhramantaḥ karma-vartmasu tvad-vārtayā tariṣyāmas tāvakair dustaraṁ tamaḥ
O dakilang Yogin, bagaman kami’y mga kaluluwang nakagapos na gumagala sa landas ng karma, sa pakikinig ng banal na salaysay tungkol sa Iyo kasama ng Iyong mga bhakta, tiyak naming malalampasan ang dilim ng samsara na mahirap tawirin.
In this verse Uddhava, by stating bhramantaḥ karma-vartmasu, humbly presents himself as one of the conditioned souls entangled in fruitive activities. Still, Uddhava is confident that he will certainly cross over the illusory energy because he is addicted to chanting and remembering the glorious activities and words of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Similarly, Rūpa Gosvāmī has stated:
FAQs
This verse teaches that one crosses the hard-to-cross darkness of material ignorance by engaging in narrations about the Lord (tad-vārtā/krishna-kathā) in the company of His devotees.
They acknowledge the common condition of conditioned souls—being drawn into fruitive action and its reactions—and therefore seek the liberating remedy of devotion through hearing about the Lord with saintly devotees.
Regularly hear or read Bhagavatam, discuss the Lord’s teachings with sincere devotees, and let that devotional association replace anxiety-driven, result-centered living.