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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.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.14.7

Who is speaking and story frame

गुणात्मनस्तेऽपि गुणान् विमातुं

हितावतीर्णस्य क ईशिरेऽस्य ।

कालेन यैर्वा विमिता: सुकल्पै-

र्भूपांशव: खे मिहिका द्युभास: ॥ ७ ॥

guṇātmanas te ’pi guṇān vimātuṁ

hitāvatīṛnasya ka īśire ’sya

kālena yair vā vimitāḥ su-kalpair

bhū-pāṁśavaḥ khe mihikā dyu-bhāsaḥ

Translation

In time, learned philosophers or scientists might be able to count all the atoms of the earth, the particles of snow, or perhaps even the shining molecules radiating from the sun, the stars and other luminaries. But among these learned men, who could possibly count the unlimited transcendental qualities possessed by You, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who have descended onto the surface of the earth for the benefit of all living entities?

Read the purport on Vedabase.io

From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Kṛṣṇa’s Transcendental Qualities Have No Limit

  1. 1

    Kṛṣṇa gives life to superior qualities by exhibiting them Himself and inspiring them in others. Developing the transcendental qualities found in Him brings immeasurable benefit.

  2. 2

    The Lord manifests a specific spiritual quality for the benefit of each living entity. His qualities are infinite, and every conditioned soul can appreciate Him in a particular way.

  3. 3

    Even counting the particles of earth, snow and light would not enable someone to count Kṛṣṇa’s glories. His childhood pastimes in Vṛndāvana display beautiful transcendental qualities that are the life and soul of His pure devotees.

Key points from the purport
  • Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī explains that Lord Kṛṣṇa is guṇātmā, “the soul of all superior qualities,” because He gives them life.
  • Since there are innumerable living entities within the confines of the material creation, the Lord manifests infinite qualities.
  • The example is given here that even if the most learned scholars could someday count the particles of earth, snow and light, they would still fail to understand the qualities of the Lord.

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

Connected verses· 1

Quoted in the purport ofCC Madhya 21.11

This verse is also quoted from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.14.7).

Each link is a verse the purport itself quotes, or a purport elsewhere that quotes this verse, shown with the purport's own words.

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 14: Brahmā’s Prayers to Lord Kṛṣṇa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

The mystery of the Personality of Godhead, who is the reservoir of unlimited spiritual qualities, is inconceivable; it is even more difficult to understand than the impersonal Supreme. Thus only by the mercy of God can one understand His glories.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.14
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. guṇa-ātmanaḥof the possessor of all superior qualities
  2. teYou
  3. apicertainly
  4. guṇānthe qualities
  5. vimātumto count
  6. hita-avatīrṇasyawho have descended for the benefit of all living entities
  7. kewho
  8. īśireare able
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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 10.14

    In this verse: “philosophers”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 10.14

    In this verse: “devotees”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 10.14

    In this verse: “childhood”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Which of Kṛṣṇa’s qualities especially draws your appreciation?

Practice

Reflect on Kṛṣṇa’s generosity or mercy, then make one small effort to show that quality toward someone today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayKṛṣṇa’s Transcendental Qualities Have No LimitThis 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 10.14.7? Get an answer from the verses themselves.