Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 17
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
श्रीराजोवाच यथैतामैश्वरीं मायां दुस्तरामकृतात्मभि: । तरन्त्यञ्ज: स्थूलधियो महर्ष इदमुच्यताम् ॥ १७ ॥
śrī-rājovāca yathaitām aiśvarīṁ māyāṁ dustarām akṛtātmabhiḥ taranty añjaḥ sthūla-dhiyo maharṣa idam ucyatām
国王说道：大圣者啊，请开示：那对不自制者永不可逾越的至上主之神圣幻力（māyā），为何连愚钝的物欲之人也能轻易渡过？
According to Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī, sthūla-dhiyaḥ indicates those who ignorantly identify themselves with the gross material body and who are therefore unable to analyze the subtle laws of nature by which the soul transmigrates in illusion. Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī comments that sthūla-dhiyaḥ also indicates so-called pious persons who execute pompous religious ceremonies for material sense gratification rather than trying to prepare themselves to go back home, back to Godhead, by engaging in the loving devotional service of the Lord.
FAQs
This verse frames the core inquiry: the Lord’s māyā is otherwise insurmountable, but the sage is asked to explain the simple means by which even ordinary people can cross it—implying a practical, accessible path (classically, bhakti).
In the assembly of sages (the Nine Yogendras), King Nimi seeks universally applicable spiritual instruction—how those without advanced discrimination can still attain freedom from the Lord’s illusion.
Admit personal limitations and seek authentic guidance: instead of relying on mere intellect, take up a steady devotional practice and disciplined living that gradually brings mastery over the mind and senses.