944 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 4, Ch. 22

the Causal Ocean, there are innumerable universes floating like footballs.
On the other side of the ocean is the spiritual world of Vaikuntha, which
is described in Bhagavad-gita as paras tasmat tu bhavo’nyo (Bg. 8.20). Thus
there is an ever-existing spiritual nature which is beyond this material
nature. Even though all the material universes are annihilated again and
again in the Causal Ocean, the Vaikuntha planets, which are spiritual, exist
eternally and are not subject to dissolution. The human form of life gives
the living entity a chance to cross the ocean of nescience, which is this
material universe, and enter into the spiritual sky. Although there are many
methods or boats by which one can cross the ocean, the Kumaras recom-
mend that the King take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord, just as one
would take shelter of a good boat. Nondevotees, who do not take shelter
of the Lord’s lotus feet, try to cross the ocean of nescience by other
methods (karma, jiiana and yoga), but they have a great deal of trouble.
Indeed, sometimes they become so busy simply enjoying their troubles
that they never cross the ocean. There is no guarantee that the nondevotees
will cross the ocean, but even though they manage to cross, they have to
undergo severe austerities and penances. On the other hand, anyone who
takes to the process of devotional service and has faith that the lotus feet
of the Lord are safe boats to cross that ocean is certain to cross very easily
and comfortably.

Prthu Maharaja is therefore advised to take the boat of the lotus feet of
the Lord to easily cross over all dangers. Dangerous elements in the universe
are compared to sharks in the ocean. Even though one may be a very
expert swimmer, he cannot possibly survive if he is attacked by sharks. One
often sees that many so called svamis and yogis sometimes advertise them-
selves as competent to cross the ocean of nescience and to help others
cross, but in actuality they are found to be simply victims of their own
senses. Instead of helping their followers to cross the ocean of nescience,
such svamis and yogis fall prey to maya, represented by the fair sex,
woman, and are thus devoured by the sharks in that ocean.

TEXT 41
. Hay Jay
a ot TAIT FATAAzAT |
ararea: ATI TTT 182A

maitreya uvaca
sa evam brahma-putrena
kumarenatma-medhasa
