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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.
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Canto 10 · Chapter 38: Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana
10.38.3910.38.41

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.38.40

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.38.24inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तस्मै भुक्तवते प्रीत्या राम: परमधर्मवित् ।

मखवासैर्गन्धमाल्यै: परां प्रीतिं व्यधात्पुन: ॥ ४० ॥

tasmai bhuktavate prītyā

rāmaḥ parama-dharma-vit

makha-vāsair gandha-mālyaiḥ

parāṁ prītiṁ vyadhāt punaḥ

Translation

When Akrūra had eaten to his satisfaction, Lord Balarāma, the supreme knower of religious duties, offered him aromatic herbs for sweetening his mouth, along with fragrances and flower garlands. Thus Akrūra once again enjoyed the highest pleasure.

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.

Thoughtful Care Brings Further Satisfaction

  1. 1

    Even after Akrūra had eaten to his satisfaction, Lord Balarāma continued to care for him.

  2. 2

    Balarāma, the supreme knower of religious duties, offered aromatic herbs for sweetening his mouth, fragrances and flower garlands.

  3. 3

    Through these further offerings, Balarāma arranged for Akrūra to enjoy the highest pleasure once again.

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 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 summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.38
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tasmaito him
  2. bhuktavatewho had finished eating
  3. prītyāaffectionately
  4. rāmaḥLord Balarāma
  5. paramathe supreme
  6. dharma-vitknower of religious principles
  7. mukha-vāsaiḥwith aromatic herbs for sweetening the mouth
  8. gandhawith perfume
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

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 10.38

    In this verse: “religious”, “duties”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 10.38

    In this verse: “sweetening”

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

How can you remain attentive to someone’s comfort after their main needs are met?

Practice

After sharing a meal today, ask whether anyone needs anything further to feel comfortable.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThoughtful Care Brings Further SatisfactionThis 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 10.38.40? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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