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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 5: The Meeting of Nanda Mahārāja and Vasudeva
10.5.2010.5.22

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.5.21

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.5.19inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तं द‍ृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय देह: प्राणमिवागतम् ।

प्रीत: प्रियतमं दोर्भ्यां सस्वजे प्रेमविह्वल: ॥ २१ ॥

taṁ dṛṣṭvā sahasotthāya

dehaḥ prāṇam ivāgatam

prītaḥ priyatamaṁ dorbhyāṁ

sasvaje prema-vihvalaḥ

Translation

When Nanda Mahārāja heard that Vasudeva had come, he was overwhelmed with love and affection, being as pleased as if his body had regained its life. Seeing Vasudeva suddenly present, he got up and embraced him with both arms.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Affection Joined with Respect

  1. 1

    Nanda Mahārāja was overwhelmed with love and affection when Vasudeva arrived. His joy was like that of a body regaining its life.

  2. 2

    Seeing his dear friend and brother suddenly present, Nanda Mahārāja rose and embraced him with both arms.

  3. 3

    Nanda Mahārāja was older than Vasudeva. He therefore embraced Vasudeva, while Vasudeva offered him namaskāra, a respectful greeting.

Key points from the purport
  • Therefore Nanda Mahārāja embraced him, and Vasudeva offered him namaskāra.

Śrīla Prabhupāda'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

Worry and play → Parental tenderness. The Supreme becomes the beloved child of His devotees.

Chapters 5–11 of Canto 10: Gokula, Yaśodā and the infant Lord. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 5: The Meeting of Nanda Mahārāja and Vasudeva

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

During this great festival, Nanda Mahārāja gave in charity to all present whatever they desired. After the festival, Nanda Mahārāja put the cowherd men in charge of protecting Gokula, and then he went to Mathurā to pay official taxes to Kaṁsa.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.5
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tamhim (Vasudeva)
  2. dṛṣṭvāseeing
  3. sahasāsuddenly
  4. utthāyagetting up
  5. dehaḥthe same body
  6. prāṇamlife
  7. ivaas if
  8. āgatamhad returned
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

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 10.5

    In this verse: “nanda”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 10.5

    In this verse: “love”

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 10.5

    In this verse: “heard”

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 express both genuine affection and respect when greeting someone?

Practice

Welcome someone warmly today, giving them your full attention and a respectful greeting.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAffection Joined with RespectThis 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 10.5.21? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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