Adhyāya 40: Brahmā on Mahān (The Great Principle) and the All-Pervading Puruṣa
महाभूतविनाशान्ते प्रलये प्रत्युपस्थिते । सर्वप्राणभूतां धीरा महदुत्पद्यते भयम्
mahābhūtavināśānte pralaye pratyupasthite | sarvaprāṇabhūtānāṃ dhīrā mahad utpadyate bhayam ||
风神伐由说道:“当大毁灭之终、五大坏灭已尽,而劫末溶解(pralaya)临近之时,则于一切众生之中,即便最为坚忍者,亦会生起巨大的恐惧。”
वायुदेव उवाच
Even the composed and wise (dhīra) can experience fear when the very foundations of the world—the great elements—collapse. The verse highlights the overwhelming power of impermanence and the need for humility and inner grounding when confronted with ultimate change.
Vāyu speaks about the approach of pralaya, describing a moment when cosmic dissolution becomes imminent. In that setting, he notes that a great fear arises among all living beings, underscoring the universal impact of the end-time.