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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.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›
Canto 10 · Chapter 70: Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Daily Activities
10.70.4510.70.47

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.70.46

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Personality of Godheadsince 10.70.46inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

श्रीभगवानुवाच

त्वं हि न: परमं चक्षु: सुहृन्मन्त्रार्थतत्त्ववित् ।

अथात्र ब्रूह्यनुष्ठेयं श्रद्दध्म: करवाम तत् ॥ ४६ ॥

śrī-bhagavān uvāca

tvaṁ hi naḥ paramaṁ cakṣuḥ

suhṛn mantrārtha-tattva-vit

athātra brūhy anuṣṭheyaṁ

śraddadhmaḥ karavāma tat

Translation

The Personality of Godhead said: You are indeed Our best eye and closest friend, for you know perfectly the relative value of various kinds of counsel. Therefore please tell Us what should be done in this situation. We trust your judgment and shall do as you say.

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.

The Lord Values His Friend’s Judgment

  1. 1

    Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, calls Uddhava His best eye and closest friend. He warmly acknowledges Uddhava’s ability to guide.

  2. 2

    Uddhava knows perfectly the relative value of different kinds of counsel. The Lord asks him to explain what should be done.

  3. 3

    Kṛṣṇa expresses trust in Uddhava’s judgment and says He will act on his advice. Here, thoughtful counsel is an opportunity to serve the Lord.

How it feels

War and pride → Justice and protection. The public expression of divine power comes to the foreground.

Chapters 70–79 of Canto 10: Kingship, Jarāsandha and royal challenges. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 70: Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Daily Activities

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Many demigods and illustrious kings will come just to see You.” Understanding that the Yādavas wanted Him to defeat Jarāsandha, Lord Kṛṣṇa asked His wise minister Uddhava to determine which of the two matters at hand — the defeat of Jarāsandha or the Rājasūya sacrifice — should be attended to first.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.70
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. śrī-bhagavān uvācathe Personality of Godhead said
  2. tvamyou
  3. hiindeed
  4. naḥOur
  5. paramamsupreme
  6. cakṣuḥeye
  7. suhṛtwell-wishing friend
  8. mantraof counsel
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

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 10.70

    In this verse: “friend”

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 could you use careful judgment in your devotional service?

Practice

Before making one decision about your devotional service today, ask a trusted well-wisher for thoughtful advice.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord Values His Friend’s JudgmentThis 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 10.70.46? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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