Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 3
Nimi’s Disembodied Liberation and the Rise of the Mithilā (Videha) Dynasty
निमिश्चलमिदं विद्वान् सत्रमारभतात्मवान् । ऋत्विग्भिरपरैस्तावन्नागमद् यावता गुरु: ॥ ३ ॥
nimiś calam idaṁ vidvān satram ārabhatātmavān ṛtvigbhir aparais tāvan nāgamad yāvatā guruḥ
Si Mahārāja Nimi, na batid na panandalian ang buhay at may ganap na kamalayan sa sarili, ay hindi na naghintay nang matagal kay Vasiṣṭha at sinimulan ang satra-yajña kasama ang ibang mga pari.
Cāṇakya Paṇḍita says, śarīraṁ kṣaṇa-vidhvāṁsi kalpānta-sthāyino guṇāḥ: “The duration of one’s life in the material world may end at any moment, but if within this life one does something worthy, that qualification is depicted in history eternally.” Here is a great personality, Mahārāja Nimi, who knew this fact. In the human form of life one should perform activities in such a way that at the end he goes back home, back to Godhead. This is self-realization.
FAQs
This verse highlights that a wise person recognizes the uncertainty of worldly situations and therefore acts responsibly and promptly in dharma, without assuming everything will align perfectly.
Because Vasiṣṭha did not arrive within the expected time, Nimi—considering the time-sensitive nature of sacrificial duties—commenced the rite with other priests.
Do your duties with discipline and awareness that circumstances can change; plan responsibly, respect teachers, but also avoid paralysis when timelines and obligations require timely action.