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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 68: The Marriage of Sāmba
10.68.1910.68.21

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.68.20

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The angry Kurussince 10.68.2inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

बन्धून् कुशलिन: श्रुत्वा पृष्ट्वा शिवमनामयम् ।

परस्परमथो रामो बभाषेऽविक्लवं वच: ॥ २० ॥

bandhūn kuśalinaḥ śrutvā

pṛṣṭvā śivam anāmayam

parasparam atho rāmo

babhāṣe ’viklavaṁ vacaḥ

Translation

After both parties had heard that their relatives were doing well and both had inquired into each other’s welfare and health, Lord Balarāma forthrightly spoke to the Kurus as follows.

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.

Speak Forthrightly and Patiently

  1. 1

    Both parties asked about one another’s welfare and health and heard that their relatives were doing well.

  2. 2

    After these words of reception, Lord Balarāma addressed the Kurus forthrightly.

  3. 3

    Śrīla Prabhupāda describes Him speaking in a great voice and very patiently, submitting His words for their consideration.

Key points from the purport
  • Śrīla Prabhupāda writes: “They all exchanged words of reception by asking one another of their welfare, and when such formality was finished, Lord Balarāma, in a great voice and very patiently, submitted before them the following words for their consideration.”

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

Conflict and affection → Devotional wonder. Divine intimacy coexists with royal duties.

Chapters 60–69 of Canto 10: Palace life, family bonds and heroic protection. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 68: The Marriage of Sāmba

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

When King Ugrasena heard of Sāmba’s capture, he called upon the Yādavas to retaliate. Angered, they prepared to fight, but Lord Balarāma pacified them, hoping to avoid a quarrel between the Kuru and Yadu dynasties.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.68
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. bandhūntheir relatives
  2. kuśalinaḥdoing well
  3. śrutvāhearing
  4. pṛṣṭvāinquiring
  5. śivamabout their welfare
  6. anāmayamand health
  7. parasparamamong one another
  8. atha uthereupon
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

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 10.68

    In this verse: “heard”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 10.68

    In this verse: “welfare”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 10.68

    In this verse: “inquired”

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 combine clear speech with patience in a difficult conversation?

Practice

In one conversation today, ask sincerely about the other person’s welfare before stating your concern clearly and patiently.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySpeak Forthrightly and PatientlyThis 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 10.68.20? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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