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

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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
1.6.341.6.36

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 1.6.35

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 1.6.5inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaNārada Muni → Vyāsadeva

यमादिभिर्योगपथै: कामलोभहतो मुहु: ।

मुकुन्दसेवया यद्वत्तथात्माद्धा न शाम्यति ॥ ३५ ॥

yamādibhir yoga-pathaiḥ

kāma-lobha-hato muhuḥ

mukunda-sevayā yadvat

tathātmāddhā na śāmyati

Translation

It is true that by practicing restraint of the senses by the yoga system one can get relief from the disturbances of desire and lust, but this is not sufficient to give satisfaction to the soul, for this [satisfaction] is derived from devotional service to the Personality of Godhead.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Engage the Senses in Devotional Service

  1. 1

    The yoga system can restrain the senses and relieve disturbances of desire. Yet restraint alone cannot give the soul the satisfaction that comes from devotional service.

  2. 2

    The senses need engagement and may seize opportunities for enjoyment when merely checked. Loving service to Mukunda engages them transcendentally and is more effective and practical.

  3. 3

    Pure devotional service is the foremost process for self-realization. Yoga and philosophical speculation are subordinate to it and cannot succeed without devotional service.

Key points from the purport
  • By his experience he says that devotional service to the Lord is more effective and practical than the system of artificially controlling the senses.
  • In the service of the Lord Mukunda, the senses are transcendentally engaged.
  • Such pure devotional service is transcendental in nature, and the systems of yoga and jñāna are subordinate to such a process.

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
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yama-ādibhiḥby the process of practicing self-restraint
  2. yoga-pathaiḥby the system of yoga (mystic bodily power to attain the godly stage)
  3. kāmadesires for sense satisfaction
  4. lobhalust for satisfaction of the senses
  5. hataḥcurbed
  6. muhuḥalways
  7. mukundathe Personality of Godhead
  8. sevayāby the service of
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • 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: “lust”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 1.6

    In this verse: “philosophical”

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

How can I replace mere restraint with a positive act of service to the Lord?

Practice

Choose one sense-driven habit to pause today, and use that time for a small act of service to the Lord.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayEngage the Senses in Devotional ServiceOne of the 108 chosen lessons: a practice and a question from this verse

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 1.6.35? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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