Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 2
Nārada’s Questions and Brahmā’s Reply: Vāsudeva as the Source; Sarga–Visarga; Virāṭ-rūpa Mapping
यद्रूपं यदधिष्ठानं यत: सृष्टमिदं प्रभो । यत्संस्थं यत्परं यच्च तत् तत्त्वं वद तत्त्वत: ॥ २ ॥
yad rūpaṁ yad adhiṣṭhānaṁ yataḥ sṛṣṭam idaṁ prabho yat saṁsthaṁ yat paraṁ yac ca tat tattvaṁ vada tattvataḥ
亲爱的父亲、主宰啊，请如实开示这显现世界的相状：它的形态为何、依止何处、从何而生、如何得以维持，并且这一切在谁的主宰之下运行。
The inquiries by Nārada Muni on the basis of factual cause and effect appear very reasonable. The atheists, however, put forward many self-made theories without any touch of cause and effect. The manifested world, as well as the spirit soul, is still unexplained by the godless atheists through the medium of experimental knowledge, although they have put forward many theories manufactured by their fertile brains. Contrary to such mental speculative theories of creation, however, Nārada Muni wanted to know all the facts of creation in truth, and not by theories.
FAQs
This verse frames the inquiry: the true cause is that Supreme Reality from whom the universe is created, in whom it rests, and who is transcendental beyond it.
As a seeker facing imminent death, Parīkṣit presses for the essence—understanding the Supreme Reality’s nature, basis, and relationship to creation—so devotion can be fixed on the highest truth.
Regularly ask: “What is the ultimate source and support of my life?” This inquiry redirects attention from temporary anxieties to steady spiritual practice and God-centered living.