Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 37
Ajāmila Delivered: Viṣṇudūtas Establish the Supremacy of the Holy Name
विमुच्य तमिमं बन्धमविद्याकामकर्मजम् । सर्वभूतसुहृच्छान्तो मैत्र: करुण आत्मवान् ॥ ३६ ॥ मोचये ग्रस्तमात्मानं योषिन्मय्यात्ममायया । विक्रीडितो ययैवाहं क्रीडामृग इवाधम: ॥ ३७ ॥
vimucya tam imaṁ bandham avidyā-kāma-karmajam sarva-bhūta-suhṛc chānto maitraḥ karuṇa ātmavān
Ātma-māyā trong hình tướng người nữ đã đùa giỡn với ta như con thú mua vui; ta trở thành kẻ hèn mạt như “thú trò chơi”. Nay ta sẽ từ bỏ dục vọng ấy và tự giải thoát mình khỏi ảo lực; trở thành bạn lành, an tịnh và đầy bi mẫn với mọi loài, luôn chìm sâu trong ý thức Kṛṣṇa.
This should be the standard of determination for all Kṛṣṇa conscious persons. A Kṛṣṇa conscious person should free himself from the clutches of māyā, and he should also be compassionate to all others suffering in those clutches. The activities of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement are meant not only for oneself but for others also. This is the perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One who is interested in his own salvation is not as advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness as one who feels compassion for others and who therefore propagates the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Such an advanced devotee will never fall down, for Kṛṣṇa will give him special protection. That is the sum and substance of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Everyone is like a play toy in the hands of the illusory energy and is acting as she moves him. One should come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness to release oneself and also to release others.
FAQs
This verse states bondage arises from avidyā (ignorance), kāma (desire), and karma (fruitive action), and it is overcome by giving it up at the root.
Having been rescued by the Lord’s mercy, Ajāmila recognizes that true freedom transforms the heart into a peaceful, self-controlled well-wisher of all beings.
Reduce desire-driven habits, act without selfish motive, and intentionally practice kindness and compassion—signs of loosening karmic bondage.