Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 4
Rahūgaṇa Instructed by Jaḍa Bharata — Dehātma-buddhi, Nondual Truth, and the Mercy of Devotees
यदाह योगेश्वर दृश्यमानं क्रियाफलं सद्व्यहारमूलम् । न ह्यञ्जसा तत्त्वविमर्शनाय भवानमुष्मिन् भ्रमते मनो मे ॥ ४ ॥
yad āha yogeśvara dṛśyamānaṁ kriyā-phalaṁ sad-vyavahāra-mūlam na hy añjasā tattva-vimarśanāya bhavān amuṣmin bhramate mano me
噢，瑜伽自在者，你说：身体往来移动所显现的疲劳，虽可由直接感知而被认可，实则并无疲劳，只是世俗言行中的一种形式而已。凭这类问答，难以径直推究绝对真理。因你如此陈述，我心略感不安。
Formal inquiries and answers about the bodily conception do not constitute knowledge of the Absolute Truth. Knowledge of the Absolute Truth is quite different from the formal understanding of bodily pains and pleasures. In Bhagavad-gītā Lord Kṛṣṇa informs Arjuna that the pains and pleasures experienced in relation to the body are temporary; they come and go. One should not be disturbed by them but should tolerate them and continue with spiritual realization.
FAQs
This verse shows Rahugana recognizing that discussion of visible karmic results and worldly propriety (sat-vyavahara) is not, by itself, a direct path to tattva-vimarshana—deep inquiry into the Absolute Truth.
Rahugana, humbled by Bharata’s wisdom, admits that explanations centered on worldly action and its results do not fully satisfy his longing for direct understanding of spiritual reality, so he presses for clearer instruction.
Do your duties responsibly, but don’t mistake social respectability or material outcomes for spiritual realization—seek direct self-inquiry and guidance from realized devotees to understand the deeper truth.