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

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Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 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.
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Canto 10 · Chapter 13: The Stealing of the Boys and Calves by Brahmā
10.13.4310.13.45

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.13.44

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.13.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

एवं सम्मोहयन् विष्णुं विमोहं विश्वमोहनम् ।

स्वयैव माययाजोऽपि स्वयमेव विमोहित: ॥ ४४ ॥

evaṁ sammohayan viṣṇuṁ

vimohaṁ viśva-mohanam

svayaiva māyayājo ’pi

svayam eva vimohitaḥ

Translation

Thus because Lord Brahmā wanted to mystify the all-pervading Lord Kṛṣṇa, who can never be mystified, but who, on the contrary, mystifies the entire universe, he himself was put into bewilderment by his own mystic power.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Surrender Instead of Challenging Kṛṣṇa

  1. 1

    Brahmā wanted to bewilder Kṛṣṇa, who mystifies the entire universe but can never be mystified. Instead, Brahmā became bewildered by his own attempt.

  2. 2

    Kṛṣṇa pervades the entire material world, while Brahmā occupies only a subordinate post. No mystic power can defeat Kṛṣṇa.

  3. 3

    The lesson is to give up attempts to defy Kṛṣṇa’s arrangements and surrender to His instructions. Such surrender frees one from His māyā.

Key points from the purport
  • Brahmā wanted to mystify Kṛṣṇa, but he himself was mystified.
  • This was exhibited in Dvārakā when Kṛṣṇa called for Brahmā.
  • Therefore, what can Brahmā do to bewilder Kṛṣṇa?

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

Peril and pride → Friendship and humility. Divinity is revealed amid intimate childhood play.

Chapters 12–19 of Canto 10: Childhood dangers and Brahmā's amazement. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 13: The Stealing of the Boys and Calves by Brahmā

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Then the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the cause of all causes, in order to please Lord Brahmā, as well as His own associates and their mothers, expanded Himself to become the calves and boys, exactly as they were before. In this way, He discovered another pastime.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.13
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. evamin this way
  2. sammohayanwanting to mystify
  3. viṣṇumthe all-pervading Lord Kṛṣṇa
  4. vimohamwho can never be mystified
  5. viśva-mohanambut who mystifies the entire universe
  6. svayāby his (Brahmā’s) own
  7. evaindeed
  8. māyayāby mystic power
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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 10.13

    In this verse: “māyā”, “material”

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 10.13

    In this verse: “give up”

  • Śaraṇāgati · Wholehearted surrender

    Relinquishing ownership while entrusting oneself to the Lord. · Theme in SB 10.13

    In this verse: “surrender”

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

Where do you notice a wish to challenge Kṛṣṇa rather than accept His guidance?

Practice

Take a quiet moment today to express your willingness to follow Kṛṣṇa’s instructions rather than try to surpass Him.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySurrender Instead of Challenging KṛṣṇaThis 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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