Although I am known as the great Brahmā, perfect in the disciplic succession of Vedic wisdom, and although I have undergone all austerities and am an expert in mystic powers and self-realization, and although I am recognized as such by the great forefathers of the living entities, who offer me respectful obeisances, still I cannot understand Him, the Lord, the very source of my birth.
Srimad Bhagavata Purana
श्रीमद्भागवतमहापुराणम्
मूल श्लोकः
नतोऽस्म्यहं तच्चरणं समीयुषां भवच्छिदं स्वस्त्ययनं सुमङ्गलम् । यो ह्यात्ममायाविभवं स्म पर्यगात् यथा नभः स्वान्तमथापरे कुतः
nato'smyahaṃ taccaraṇaṃ samīyuṣāṃ bhavacchidaṃ svastyayanaṃ sumaṅgalam | yo hyātmamāyāvibhavaṃ sma paryagāt yathā nabhaḥ svāntamathāpare kutaḥ
SB 2.6.35