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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 6: Conversation Between Nārada and Vyāsadeva
1.6.181.6.20

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.6.19

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 1.6.5inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaNārada Muni → Vyāsadeva
A turning point forNārada Muni· Remembrance deepens

दिद‍ृक्षुस्तदहं भूय: प्रणिधाय मनो हृदि ।

वीक्षमाणोऽपि नापश्यमवितृप्त इवातुर: ॥ १९ ॥

didṛkṣus tad ahaṁ bhūyaḥ

praṇidhāya mano hṛdi

vīkṣamāṇo ’pi nāpaśyam

avitṛpta ivāturaḥ

Translation

I desired to see again that transcendental form of the Lord, but despite my attempts to concentrate upon the heart with eagerness to view the form again, I could not see Him any more, and thus dissatisfied, I was very much aggrieved.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Serve Sincerely and Depend on Mercy

  1. 1

    There is no mechanical process for seeing the Lord. His appearance depends completely on His causeless mercy, not on our demand.

  2. 2

    One should continue prescribed duties in devotional service while awaiting the opportune moment. Even Nārada Muni could not repeat his vision by repeating his effort.

  3. 3

    The Lord is completely independent and cannot be perceived by material senses. He may reveal Himself when pleased by sincere devotional service that depends on His mercy.

Key points from the purport
  • There is no mechanical process to see the form of the Lord.
  • It completely depends on the causeless mercy of the Lord.
  • When He pleases, being satisfied with the sincere attempt of devotional service depending completely on the mercy of the Lord, then He may be seen out of His own accord.

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 6: Conversation Between Nārada and Vyāsadeva

Nārada recounts seeing Kṛṣṇa within his heart and becoming fixed in unbroken devotional service.

Back to this verse in chapter 1.6
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. didṛkṣuḥdesiring to see
  2. tatthat
  3. ahamI
  4. bhūyaḥagain
  5. praṇidhāyahaving concentrated the mind
  6. manaḥmind
  7. hṛdiupon the heart
  8. vīkṣamāṇaḥwaiting to see
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

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 1.6

    In this verse: “mercy”, “causeless”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 1.6

    In this verse: “devotional service”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 1.6

    In this verse: “material”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Can I continue serving sincerely without demanding a particular spiritual experience?

Practice

Perform one small act of devotional service today without making an extraordinary experience the measure of its value.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayServe Sincerely and Depend on MercyThis 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.

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