Text 12] The Activities of Maharaja Priyavrata 23

PURPORT

In the Garga Upanisad, Gargamuni says to his wife, etasya vd ak-
sarasya prasdsane gargi siiryd-candramasau vidhrtau tisthatah: “My
dear Gargi, everything is under the control of the Supreme Personality
of Godhead. Even the sun, the moon and other controllers and demigods
like Lord Brahma and King Indra are all under His control.” An ordi-
nary human being or animal who has accepted a material body cannot go
beyond the jurisdiction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s control.
A material body includes senses. However, the sense activities of so-
called scientists who try to be free from God's law or the laws of nature
are useless. This is also confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (7.14). Mama maya
duratyaya: it is impossible to surpass the control of material nature, for
the Supreme Personality of Godhead is working behind it. Sometimes we
are proud of our austerities, penances and mystic yogic powers, but it is
clearly stated herein that one cannot surpass the laws and directions of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, either by dint of mystic power. a
scientific education, or austerities and penances. It is impossible.

The word manisayé (‘‘by intelligence”) is of special significance.
Priyavrata might argue that Lord Brahma was requesting him to accept
family life and the responsibility for ruling a kingdom, although Narada
Muni had advised him not to enter household life and be entangled in
material affairs. Whom to accept would be a puzzle for Priyavrata
because both Lord Brahma and Narada Muni are authorities. Under the
circumstances, the use of the word manisayd is very appropriate, for it
indicates that since both Narada Muni and Lord Brahma are authorized
to give instruction, Priyavrata should neglect neither of them but should
use his intelligence to follow the advice of both. To solve such dilemmas,
Srila Rapa Gosvami has given a very clear conception of intelligence. He
says:

andsaktasya visayan
yatharham upayunjatah
nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe

yuktam vairagyam ucyate

Visayan, material affairs, should be accepted without attachment. and
everything should be dovetailed with the service of the Lord. That is real
