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Canto 10 · The Summum Bonum · 90 chapters

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Chant the verse. Say the Sanskrit slowly and carefully.
2Read the word meanings. Go through each Sanskrit word and its meaning.
3Find the meaning yourself. Before the translation, piece the meaning together from the words.
4Read the translation. Ask: what is the Lord teaching here, and how does it apply to my life?
5Read the purport slowly. Read it two or three times. Don't rush.
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 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana

10.38.20 10.38.22

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.38.21

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees

Who is speaking and story frame

Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.38.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

लब्ध्वाङ्गसङ्गं प्रणतं कृताञ्जलिं

मां वक्ष्यतेऽक्रूर ततेत्युरुश्रवा: ।

तदा वयं जन्मभृतो महीयसा

नैवाद‍ृतो यो धिगमुष्य जन्म तत् ॥ २१ ॥

labdhvāṅga-saṅgam praṇatam kṛtāñjaliṁ

māṁ vakṣyate ’krūra tatety uruśravāḥ

tadā vayaṁ janma-bhṛto mahīyasā

naivādṛto yo dhig amuṣya janma tat

Translation

Having been embraced by the all-famous Lord Kṛṣṇa, I will humbly stand before Him with bowed head and joined palms, and He will address me, “My dear Akrūra.” At that very moment my life’s purpose will be fulfilled. Indeed, the life of anyone whom the Supreme Personality fails to recognize is simply pitiable.

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.

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Life Fulfilled by Kṛṣṇa’s Recognition

1
Akrūra hopes to receive Lord Kṛṣṇa’s embrace and then stand humbly before Him with bowed head and joined palms.
2
He longs to hear Kṛṣṇa address him as “My dear Akrūra.” For him, that loving recognition will fulfill life’s purpose.
3
Akrūra considers a life without the Supreme Personality’s recognition pitiable. His hope centers on his relationship with the Lord.

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

Chapter 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Although Kaṁsa is an enemy of the Supreme Lord and His devotees, still, it is by Kaṁsa’s grace that I will get this great boon of seeing the Lord. When I first catch sight of His lotus feet, all my sinful reactions will be destroyed at once.

Read the whole chapter summary Back to this verse in chapter 10.38