Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 29
Brahmā’s Day, the Four Pralayas, and the Supreme Shelter Beyond Cause–Effect
विकार: ख्यायमानोऽपि प्रत्यगात्मानमन्तरा । न निरूप्योऽस्त्यणुरपि स्याच्चेच्चित्सम आत्मवत् ॥ २९ ॥
vikāraḥ khyāyamāno ’pi pratyag-ātmānam antarā na nirūpyo ’sty aṇur api syāc cec cit-sama ātma-vat
Dù sự biến đổi được thấy, nhưng nếu không quy chiếu về Paramātmā thì ngay cả sự biến đổi của một nguyên tử cũng không có định nghĩa tối hậu. Để được thừa nhận là thật có, điều gì đó phải mang phẩm tính như linh thể thuần tịnh: tồn tại vĩnh cửu, không biến đổi.
A mirage of water appearing in the desert is actually a manifestation of light; the false appearance of water is a specific transformation of light. That which falsely appears as independent material nature is similarly a transformation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Material nature is the external potency of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse teaches that change is only perceived in the realm of appearance; apart from the inner witnessing Self, no real transformation can be established, because the Self’s nature is consciousness and is not subject to modification.
As Parīkṣit prepared for death, Śukadeva emphasized liberating knowledge: realizing the changeless witness helps one transcend fear, bodily identification, and the seeming transformations of the material world.
In stress, loss, or rapid life-changes, practice identifying as the observer of thoughts and events rather than the changing situations—this supports steadiness, detachment, and devotion grounded in inner clarity.