Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 27
Pūru-vaṁśa, Duṣmanta–Śakuntalā, and the Rise of Mahārāja Bharata
त्रयस्त्रिंशच्छतं ह्यश्वान्बद्ध्वा विस्मापयन् नृपान् । दौष्मन्तिरत्यगान्मायां देवानां गुरुमाययौ ॥ २७ ॥
trayas-triṁśac-chataṁ hy aśvān baddhvā vismāpayan nṛpān dauṣmantir atyagān māyāṁ devānāṁ gurum āyayau
Bharata, con của Mahārāja Duṣmanta, đã buộc ba nghìn ba trăm con ngựa cho các lễ tế, khiến các vua khác kinh ngạc. Ngài còn vượt cả sự phú quý của chư thiên, vì đã đạt được Hari, bậc Thầy tối thượng.
One who achieves the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead certainly surpasses all material wealth, even that of the demigods in the heavenly planets. Yaṁ labdhvā cāparaṁ lābhaṁ manyate nādhikaṁ tataḥ. The achievement of the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is the most exalted achievement in life.
FAQs
This verse shows that māyā can be surpassed by clarity and right guidance—Bharata goes beyond the deception and approaches Bṛhaspati, indicating that divine illusion is overcome through higher intelligence and proper spiritual counsel.
After astounding other kings with his prowess, Bharata recognized and transcended the deceptive situation and therefore approached Bṛhaspati, the devas’ guru, for higher direction and resolution beyond ordinary royal competition.
When success or competition breeds confusion, pause and seek guidance from qualified teachers and scripture; like Bharata, move beyond appearances and consult higher wisdom before acting.