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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.
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Canto 10 · Chapter 68: The Marriage of Sāmba
10.68.3810.68.40

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.68.39

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Balarāmasince 10.68.31inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

अहो ऐश्वर्यमत्तानां मत्तानामिव मानिनाम् ।

असम्बद्धा गिरो रुक्षा: क: सहेतानुशासिता ॥ ३९ ॥

aho aiśvarya-mattānāṁ

mattānām iva māninām

asambaddhā giṛo rukṣāḥ

kaḥ sahetānuśāsītā

Translation

“Just see how these puffed-up Kurus are intoxicated with their so-called power, like ordinary drunken men! What actual ruler, with the power to command, would tolerate their foolish, nasty words?

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.

Pride in Power Corrupts Speech

  1. 1

    The Kurus are described as puffed up and intoxicated with their so-called power.

  2. 2

    Their condition is compared to that of ordinary drunken men.

  3. 3

    Their words are foolish and nasty. The speaker asks what actual ruler with authority would tolerate such speech.

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:

Thus He took His plow weapon and, intending to rid the earth of all the Kurus, began dragging Hastināpura toward the Ganges. Seeing that their city was in imminent danger of falling into the river, the terrified Kauravas quickly brought Sāmba and Lakṣmaṇā before Lord Balarāma and began to glorify Him.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.68
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. ahoah
  2. aiśvaryawith their ruling power
  3. mattānāmof those who are mad
  4. mattānāmof those who are physically intoxicated
  5. ivaas if
  6. mānināmwho are proud
  7. asambaddhāḥincoherent and absurd
  8. giraḥwords
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

  • Rāja-dharma · Devotional leadership

    Serving and protecting through responsibility. · Theme in SB 10.68

    In this verse: “ruler”

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 feel powerful or important, does my speech become harsh?

Practice

Before speaking from a position of authority today, remove one harsh or belittling phrase.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayPride in Power Corrupts SpeechThis 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 10.68.39? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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