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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 72: The Slaying of the Demon Jarāsandha
10.72.1910.72.21

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.72.20

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna and Bhīmasince 10.72.18inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

योऽनित्येन शरीरेण सतां गेयं यशो ध्रुवम् ।

नाचिनोति स्वयं कल्प: स वाच्य: शोच्य एव स: ॥ २० ॥

yo ’nityena śarīreṇa

satāṁ geyaṁ yaśo dhruvam

nācinoti svayaṁ kalpaḥ

sa vācyaḥ śocya eva saḥ

Translation

He indeed is to be censured and pitied who, though able to do so, fails to achieve with his temporary body the lasting fame glorified by great saints.

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.

Use Temporary Life for Lasting Worth

  1. 1

    The material body is temporary, yet it can be used to achieve lasting fame.

  2. 2

    The fame praised here is glorified by great saints, not merely noticed by others.

  3. 3

    One who is able to achieve this but fails to do so is described as worthy of censure and pity.

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 72: The Slaying of the Demon Jarāsandha

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Seeing the marks of bowstrings on their limbs, Jarāsandha concluded that they were warriors and not brāhmaṇas, but still, even though fearful, he promised to fulfill whatever desire they might have. At that point Lord Kṛṣṇa discarded His disguise and asked Jarāsandha to fight Him in one-to-one combat.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.72
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yaḥwho
  2. anityenatemporary
  3. śarīreṇawith the material body
  4. satāmby saints
  5. geyamto be glorified
  6. yaśaḥfame
  7. dhruvampermanent
  8. na ācinotidoes not acquire
3

Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 10.72

    In this verse: “glorified”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 10.72

    In this verse: “material”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 10.72

    In this verse: “pity”

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

Am I using my present abilities for something worthy of the praise of saints?

Practice

Use a few minutes today for a worthwhile act of service rather than seeking recognition.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayUse Temporary Life for Lasting WorthThis 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 10.72.20? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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