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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 ›
Canto 10 · Chapter 36: The Slaying of Ariṣṭā, the Bull Demon
10.36.2610.36.28

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.36.27

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 10.36.17inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

इत्याज्ञाप्यार्थतन्त्रज्ञ आहूय यदुपुङ्गवम् ।

गृहीत्वा पाणिना पाणिं ततोऽक्रूरमुवाच ह ॥ २७ ॥

ity ājñāpyārtha-tantra-jña

āhūya yadu-puṅgavam

gṛhītvā pāṇinā pāṇiṁ

tato ’krūram uvāca ha

Translation

Having thus commanded his ministers, Kaṁsa next called for Akrūra, the most eminent of the Yadus. Kaṁsa knew the art of securing personal advantage, and thus he took Akrūra’s hand in his own and spoke to him as follows.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

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.

Friendliness Used for Personal Advantage

  1. 1

    After commanding his ministers, Kaṁsa calls for Akrūra, the most eminent of the Yadus.

  2. 2

    Kaṁsa knows the art of securing personal advantage. This explains the purpose behind his approach.

  3. 3

    He takes Akrūra’s hand in his own before speaking. The friendly gesture accompanies his pursuit of personal gain.

How it feels

Attachment → Impending loss. The approach of departure gives pastoral love a poignant edge.

Chapters 34–38 of Canto 10: Further Vraja events and Akrūra's arrival. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 36: The Slaying of Ariṣṭā, the Bull Demon

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Then he spoke to Akrūra, who was expert at executing his duties. Taking Akrūra by the hand, Kaṁsa persuaded him to go to Vraja to bring the two boys to Mathurā.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.36
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. itiwith these words
  2. ājñāpyaordering
  3. arthaof personal interest and advantage
  4. tantraof the doctrine
  5. jñaḥthe knower
  6. āhūyacalling for
  7. yadu-puṅgavamthe most eminent of the Yadus
  8. gṛhītvātaking
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 10.36

    In this verse: “friendly”

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

When I show warmth to someone, am I caring for them or merely seeking an advantage?

Practice

Show one person kindness today without attaching a request or expecting a favor.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

6

Connected stories

Keep going: stories told elsewhere in the Bhāgavatam that this verse or its purport brings in.

Found where this verse or Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport names them. See all of chapter 10.36's connections

Live this todayFriendliness Used for Personal AdvantageThis 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 10.36.27? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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