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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 ›
Canto 10 · Chapter 20: The Rainy Season and Autumn in Vṛndāvana
10.20.3810.20.40

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.20.39

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.20.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

शनै: शनैर्जहु: पङ्कं स्थलान्यामं च वीरुध: ।

यथाहंममतां धीरा: शरीरादिष्वनात्मसु ॥ ३९ ॥

śanaiḥ śanair jahuḥ paṅkaṁ

sthalāny āmaṁ ca vīrudhaḥ

yathāhaṁ-mamatāṁ dhīrāḥ

śarīrādiṣv anātmasu

Translation

Gradually the different areas of land gave up their muddy condition and the plants grew past their unripe stage, in the same way that sober sages give up egotism and possessiveness. These are based on things different from the real self, namely, the material body and its by-products.

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.

Gradually Give Up Egotism and Possessiveness

  1. 1

    The land gradually lost its mud, and the plants grew beyond their unripe condition.

  2. 2

    Similarly, sober sages give up egotism and possessiveness directed toward the material body and its by-products.

  3. 3

    The body and its by-products are different from the real self. These by-products include children, home and wealth.

Key points from the purport
  • The word ādiṣu in this verse indicates the by-products of the body, such as children, home and wealth.

The purport'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

Attraction and threat → Joy and trust. The pastoral world becomes the setting for protection and love.

Chapters 20–28 of Canto 10: Forest seasons, flute and Govardhana. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 20: The Rainy Season and Autumn in Vṛndāvana

Summary of this chapter:

To enhance the description of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī describes in this chapter the beauty of Vṛndāvana during autumn and the rainy season. In the course of his presentation he gives various charming instructions in metaphorical terms.
Back to this verse in chapter 10.20
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. śanaiḥ śanaiḥvery gradually
  2. jahuḥgave up
  3. paṅkamtheir mud
  4. sthalānithe places of land
  5. āmamtheir unripe condition
  6. caand
  7. vīrudhaḥthe plants
  8. yathāas
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

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 10.20

    In this verse: “give up”, “gave up”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 10.20

    In this verse: “material”, “wealth”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 10.20

    In this verse: “children”

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 most strongly identify your real self with your body, home or wealth?

Practice

When a possessive thought arises today, pause and recall that the body and its by-products are distinct from the real self.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGradually Give Up Egotism and PossessivenessThis 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 10.20.39? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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