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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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Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 32: The Reunion
10.32.1510.32.17

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.32.16

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The gopīssince 10.32.16inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

श्रीगोप्य ऊचु:

भजतोऽनुभजन्त्येक एक एतद्विपर्ययम् ।

नोभयांश्च भजन्त्येक एतन्नो ब्रूहि साधु भो: ॥ १६ ॥

śrī-gopya ūcuḥ

bhajato ’nubhajanty eka

eka etad-viparyayam

nobhayāṁś ca bhajanty eka

etan no brūhi sādhu bhoḥ

Translation

The gopīs said: Some people reciprocate the affection only of those who are affectionate toward them, while others show affection even to those who are indifferent or inimical. And yet others will not show affection toward anyone. Dear Kṛṣṇa, please properly explain this matter to us.

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.

The Gopīs Ask About Reciprocating Love

  1. 1

    The gopīs describe people who return affection only when affection is shown to them. They also describe those who love even the indifferent or inimical, and those who show affection to no one.

  2. 2

    Through this apparently polite question, they want to expose what they see as Kṛṣṇa’s failure to reciprocate their love properly.

  3. 3

    They were deeply disturbed when He left them in the forest. They ask Him to explain why He caused them suffering in their loving relationship.

Key points from the purport
  • By this apparently polite question, the gopīs want to expose Lord Kṛṣṇa’s failure to properly reciprocate their love.
  • They were very disturbed when Śrī Kṛṣṇa left them in the forest, and they want to know why He caused them to suffer in these loving affairs.

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

Separation → Transcendental intimacy. The peak of longing reveals the intensity of selfless love.

Chapters 29–33 of Canto 10: The gopīs' yearning, reunion and rasa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 32: The Reunion

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

One gopī, impelled by loving anger toward Kṛṣṇa, bit her lip and looked askance at Him. Because the gopīs were so attached to Kṛṣṇa, they were not satiated even by continuously gazing at Him.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.32
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. śrī-gopyaḥ ūcuḥthe gopīs said
  2. bhajataḥto those who respect them
  3. anureciprocally
  4. bhajantishow respect
  5. ekesome
  6. ekesome
  7. etatto this
  8. viparyayamthe contrary
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

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 10.32

    In this verse: “indifferent”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 10.32

    In this verse: “love”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 10.32

    In this verse: “suffering”

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

Which of the patterns of affection described here do you recognize in yourself?

Practice

Read the gopīs’ question slowly, then name one expectation of reciprocation that you notice in yourself.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Gopīs Ask About Reciprocating LoveThis 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 10.32.16? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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