Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 33
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
यावदस्यास्वतन्त्रत्वं तावदीश्वरतो भयम् । य एतत् समुपासीरंस्ते मुह्यन्ति शुचार्पिता: ॥ ३३ ॥
yāvad asyāsvatantratvaṁ tāvad īśvarato bhayam ya etat samupāsīraṁs te muhyanti śucārpitāḥ
只要受缚之魂仍不自主、依赖于诸古那之下的业行，他就会继续畏惧我——至上人格神——因为我裁定业行之果。凡执著物质人生、把古那的多样性当作真实而投身享乐者，便常沉溺于哀叹与忧苦。
The living entity is bound in the network of illusion, but although he can understand that he is dependent upon superior powers, he does not want to serve the Supreme Lord. He thus becomes filled with fear of life itself. Desiring material sense gratification, the living entity, like the demon Kaṁsa, always fears destruction of his material arrangement. Remaining addicted to the flavors of material nature, one gradually sinks down into an irrational form of life.
FAQs
This verse explains that fear of the Supreme Controller persists as long as one remains bound and lacking inner freedom; bondage produces fear, while true spiritual freedom removes it.
Kṛṣṇa is teaching Uddhava how conditioned life creates fear and lamentation, and how mistaken attitudes toward dependence and bondage keep a person bewildered rather than liberated.
Notice where you feel controlled by impulses, anxiety, or external approval; replace that helplessness with disciplined devotion and self-mastery so dependence shifts from material forces to conscious surrender to the Lord.