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.
Wika ng hari: O dakilang bhakta, inilarawan mo sa paraang patalinghaga ang landas ng jīva sa pag-iral na tulad ng mangangalakal sa gubat. Nauunawaan ng marurunong na ang mga pandama ng taong nakakapit sa katawan ay gaya ng mga tulisan sa gubat na iyon, at ang asawa’t mga anak ay gaya ng mga asong-gubat at mababangis na hayop. Ngunit sa kulang sa unawa, mahirap hugutin ang diwa ng talinghaga. Kaya hinihiling ko na ipaliwanag mo ang tuwirang kahulugan nito.
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.