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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 84: The Sages’ Teachings at Kurukṣetra
10.84.5310.84.55-56

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 10.84.54

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 10.84.42inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

स्‍नातोऽलङ्कारवासांसि वन्दिभ्योऽदात्तथा स्‍त्रिय: ।

तत: स्वलङ्कृतो वर्णानाश्वभ्योऽन्नेन पूजयत् ॥ ५४ ॥

snāto ’laṅkāra-vāsāṁsi

vandibhyo ’dāt tathā striyaḥ

tataḥ sv-alaṅkṛto varṇān

ā-śvabhyo ’nnena pūjayat

Translation

His sacred bath complete, Vasudeva joined with his wives in giving the jewelry and clothes they had been wearing to the professional reciters. Vasudeva then put on new garments, after which he honored all classes of people by feeding everyone, even the dogs.

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.

Generosity Extends to Everyone

  1. 1

    After his sacred bath, Vasudeva and his wives gave their worn jewelry and clothes to the professional reciters.

  2. 2

    Vasudeva then put on new garments and honored all classes of people by feeding them.

  3. 3

    His provision of food extended even to the dogs.

How it feels

Humility and separation → Friendship and reunion. The sweetness of relationship outweighs prestige.

Chapters 80–86 of Canto 10: Sudāmā and reunion with the residents of Vraja. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 84: The Sages’ Teachings at Kurukṣetra

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

He then performed the ritual bath marking the end of the sacrifice and fed everyone sumptuously, even the village dogs. Next he gave ample gifts to his relatives, the various kings and others, who all took Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s leave and returned to their own homes.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 10.84
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. snātaḥbathed
  2. alaṅkārajewelry
  3. vāsāṁsiand clothing
  4. vandibhyaḥto the bards
  5. adātgave
  6. tathāalso
  7. striyaḥthe women
  8. tataḥthen
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 10.84

    In this verse: “reciters”

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

Whom might I overlook when sharing food or showing generosity?

Practice

Share food today with someone who might otherwise be overlooked, or provide suitable food for a dog.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGenerosity Extends to EveryoneThis 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 10.84.54? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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