1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min
Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.17.23
अथवा देवमायाया नूनं गतिरगोचरा ।
चेतसो वचसश्चापि भूतानामिति निश्चय: ॥ २३ ॥
athavā deva-māyāyā
nūnaṁ gatir agocarā
cetaso vacasaś cāpi
bhūtānām iti niścayaḥ
Thus it is concluded that the Lord’s energies are inconceivable. No one can estimate them by mental speculation or by word jugglery.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioThree study points drawn from the translation and purport.
The Lord’s energies are inconceivable. Mental speculation and clever words cannot fully explain them.
The purport explains that the Lord is not directly responsible for material actions; they are carried out by His deputed material energy, māyā-śakti.
Although the personality of religion knew that nothing happens without the Lord’s sanction, the deluding energy still produced doubt. In the Age of Kali, this influence becomes especially strong.
Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.
Moral alarm → Resolve. The king's duty is tested in a deteriorating age.
Chapters 16–17 of Canto 1: Parīkṣit confronts Kali. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc
Parīkṣit protects a cow and bull from abuse and restricts Kali to five places.
Back to this verse in chapter 1.17Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.
Īśānukathā · The science of God
Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10
Moha · Material attachment
The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 1.17
In this verse: “māyā-śakti”, “material”
Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct
Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 1.17
In this verse: “religion”
Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
When understanding fails me, do I humbly recognize the limits of my reasoning?
Read the translation slowly once, then acknowledge one question about the Lord’s energies that you cannot settle by speculation.
The story this chapter belongs to.
Study points are short summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport on Vedabase.
Ask the BhāgavatamHave a question about SB 1.17.23? Get an answer from the verses themselves.