Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 23
Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth (Bhūmi-dugdha) and Organizes Human Settlement
पशवो यवसं क्षीरं वत्सं कृत्वा च गोवृषम् । अरण्यपात्रे चाधुक्षन्मृगेन्द्रेण च दंष्ट्रिण: ॥ २३ ॥ क्रव्यादा: प्राणिन: क्रव्यं दुदुहु: स्वे कलेवरे । सुपर्णवत्सा विहगाश्चरं चाचरमेव च ॥ २४ ॥
paśavo yavasaṁ kṣīraṁ vatsaṁ kṛtvā ca go-vṛṣam araṇya-pātre cādhukṣan mṛgendreṇa ca daṁṣṭriṇaḥ
牛等四足兽以湿婆之乘牛难提为犊，以森林为器，从大地汲取如乳之青嫩牧草。獠牙猛兽以狮为犊，以自身为器，汲取肉食为乳。群鸟以迦楼罗为犊，从大地汲取可动之虫类与不动之草木。
There are many carnivorous birds descended from Garuḍa, the winged carrier of Lord Viṣṇu. Indeed, there is a particular type of bird that is very fond of eating monkeys, and eagles are fond of eating goats. Of course, many birds eat only fruits and berries. Therefore the words caram, referring to moving animals, and acaram, referring to grasses, fruits and vegetables, are mentioned in this verse.
FAQs
This verse shows that the Earth yields different “milk” (resources) according to the needs and nature of each class of beings—here, animals obtain grasses—when approached in an ordered, dharmic way.
The narrative describes various groups appointing a suitable “milker” and “calf” to draw their specific sustenance from the Earth; the lion represents the power and leadership among beasts used to extract their share.
Take only what is needed, in a regulated and responsible way, recognizing nature as sacred and meant to support all beings—not to be exploited without dharma.