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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 70: Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Daily Activities
10.70.4610.71.1

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.70.47

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.70.47inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

इत्युपामन्त्रितो भर्त्रा सर्वज्ञेनापि मुग्धवत् ।

निदेशं शिरसाधाय उद्धव: प्रत्यभाषत ॥ ४७ ॥

ity upāmantrito bhartrā

sarva-jñenāpi mugdha-vat

nideśaṁ śirasādhāya

uddhavaḥ pratyabhāṣata

Translation

[Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued:] Thus requested by his master, who, though omniscient, acted as if perplexed, Uddhava took this order upon his head and replied 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.

Receive the Lord’s Request With Reverence

  1. 1

    Kṛṣṇa is all-knowing, although He acts as if perplexed. His request for advice does not mean that He lacks knowledge.

  2. 2

    Uddhava receives his master’s request as an order and takes it upon his head. His response shows deep respect for the Lord.

  3. 3

    After respectfully accepting the order, Uddhava replies. He uses his ability to speak in service to his master.

Key points from the purport
  • Thus end the purports of the humble servants of His Divine Grace A.C.
  • Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda to the Tenth Canto, Seventieth Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “Lord Kṛṣṇa’s Daily Activities.”

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

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. itithus
  2. upāmantritaḥrequested
  3. bhartrāby his master
  4. sarva-jñenaall-knowing
  5. apieven though
  6. mugdhaperplexed
  7. vatas if
  8. nideśamthe order
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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 10.70

    In this verse: “knowledge”

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 Uddhava’s reverence shape your attitude toward serving Kṛṣṇa?

Practice

Before one small act of devotional service today, pause and consciously approach it with respect for Kṛṣṇa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

6

Connected stories

Keep going: stories told elsewhere in the Bhāgavatam that this verse or its purport brings in.

Found where this verse or Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport names them. See all of chapter 10.70's connections

Live this todayReceive the Lord’s Request With ReverenceThis 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 10.70.47? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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