Shloka 47
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
यैरीदृशी भगवतो गतिरात्मवाद एकान्ततो निगमिभि: प्रतिपादिता न: । तुष्यन्त्वदभ्रकरुणा: स्वकृतेन नित्यं को नाम तत्प्रतिकरोति विनोदपात्रम् ॥ ४७ ॥
yair īdṛśī bhagavato gatir ātma-vāda ekāntato nigamibhiḥ pratipāditā naḥ tuṣyantv adabhra-karuṇāḥ sva-kṛtena nityaṁ ko nāma tat pratikaroti vinoda-pātram
جن حضرات نے بھگوانِ اعلیٰ سے متعلق خودشناسی کا راستہ ہمیں کامل یقین اور ویدی دلائل کے ساتھ سمجھا کر بے حد خدمت کی ہے، اُن ابرِ کرم جیسے مہاتماؤں کا بدلہ کون چکا سکتا ہے؟ اُن کی تسکین کے لیے ہتھیلیوں میں پانی چڑھانا ہی ہمارے بس میں ہے؛ وہ تو اپنی ہی کرم بھری سرگرمیوں سے راضی ہوتے ہیں جو بے پایاں رحمت سے انسانوں میں بانٹتے ہیں۔
Great personalities of the material world are very eager to render welfare service to human society, but actually no one can render better service than one who distributes the knowledge of spiritual realization in relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. All living entities are within the clutches of the illusory energy. Forgetting their real identity, they hover in material existence, transmigrating from one body to another in search of a peaceful life. Since these living entities have very little knowledge of self-realization, they are not getting any relief, although they are very anxious to attain peace of mind and some substantial happiness. Saintly persons like the Kumāras, Nārada, Prahlāda, Janaka, Śukadeva Gosvāmī and Kapiladeva, as well as the followers of such authorities as the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas and their servants, can render a valuable service to humanity by disseminating knowledge of the relationship between the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the living entity. Such knowledge is the perfect benediction for humanity.
FAQs
This verse teaches that the sages who reveal the Lord’s ultimate path are beyond repayment; one can only honor them with heartfelt gratitude and by valuing and living their teachings.
While instructing his citizens, Prithu acknowledges that true knowledge of the Lord’s path comes through the Vedic seers, and he offers reverence for their compassion in guiding society toward devotion and liberation.
Respect authentic teachers and scriptures, avoid taking spiritual guidance for granted, and “repay” by practicing sincerely and sharing wisdom responsibly without ego.