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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 1 · Creation · 19 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
  2. 2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
  3. 3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
  4. 4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
  5. 5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
  6. 6Write down what touched you. Note the main points in your own notebook.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›
Canto 1 · Chapter 4: The Appearance of Śrī Nārada
1.4.261.4.28-29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.4.27

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Sūta Gosvāmīsince 1.4.14inside 1 frame: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya

नातिप्रसीदद्‍धृदय: सरस्वत्यास्तटे शुचौ ।

वितर्कयन् विविक्तस्थ इदं चोवाच धर्मवित् ॥ २७ ॥

nātiprasīdad-dhṛdayaḥ

sarasvatyās taṭe śucau

vitarkayan vivikta-stha

idaṁ covāca dharma-vit

Translation

Thus the sage, being dissatisfied at heart, at once began to reflect, because he knew the essence of religion, and he said within himself:

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Seek Heartfelt Satisfaction Beyond Matter

  1. 1

    Although the sage knew the essence of religion, he was dissatisfied at heart.

  2. 2

    He began to reflect and search out the cause of his dissatisfaction.

  3. 3

    Perfection is not attained until one is satisfied at heart. This satisfaction must be sought beyond matter.

Key points from the purport
  • The sage began to search out the cause of not being satisfied at heart.
  • Perfection is never attained until one is satisfied at heart.
  • This satisfaction of heart has to be searched out beyond matter.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

How it feels

Dissatisfaction → Inspired clarity. Even great accomplishment leaves Vyāsa without contentment until devotion is centered.

Chapters 4–6 of Canto 1: Vyāsa is dissatisfied; Nārada directs him to the Lord. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 4: The Appearance of Śrī Nārada

The sages inquire about Parīkṣit, while Sūta describes Vyāsadeva’s division of the Vedas and dissatisfaction.

Back to this verse in chapter 1.4
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nanot
  2. atiprasīdatvery much satisfied
  3. hṛdayaḥat heart
  4. sarasvatyāḥof the river Sarasvatī
  5. taṭeon the bank of
  6. śucaubeing purified
  7. vitarkayanhaving considered
  8. vivikta-sthaḥsituated in a lonely place
3

Key ideas in this 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

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 1.4

    In this verse: “religion”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Am I looking only to material things for the satisfaction my heart seeks?

Practice

Spend two quiet minutes reflecting on where you are seeking lasting satisfaction.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySeek Heartfelt Satisfaction Beyond MatterThis verse's lesson: one practice and one question for today

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 1.4.27? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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