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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 11 · General History · 31 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 11 · Chapter 13: The Haṁsa-avatāra Answers the Questions of the Sons of Brahmā
11.13.2711.13.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.13.28

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Supreme Personality of Godheadsince 11.13.18inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → UddhavaLord Haṁsa → the Kumāras

यर्हि संसृतिबन्धोऽयमात्मनो गुणवृत्तिद: ।

मयि तुर्ये स्थितो जह्यात् त्यागस्तद् गुणचेतसाम् ॥ २८ ॥

yarhi saṁsṛti-bandho ’yam

ātmano guṇa-vṛtti-daḥ

mayi turye sthito jahyāt

tyāgas tad guṇa-cetasām

Translation

The spirit soul is trapped in the bondage of material intelligence, which awards him constant engagement in the illusory modes of nature. But I am the fourth stage of consciousness, beyond wakefulness, dreaming and deep sleep. Becoming situated in Me, the soul should give up the bondage of material consciousness. At that time, the living entity will automatically renounce the material sense objects and the material mind.

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.

Freedom Requires Shelter in Kṛṣṇa

  1. 1

    False identification with the material body allows the modes of nature to engage the soul in illusory occupations. The soul has no natural connection with these modes or material sense objects.

  2. 2

    Lord Kṛṣṇa is beyond wakefulness, dreaming and deep sleep. By becoming situated in Him, the soul gives up the bondage of material consciousness.

  3. 3

    The living entity cannot independently free himself from illusion. He must become situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, in full awareness of the Supreme Lord.

Key points from the purport
  • Ultimately, the spirit soul has nothing to do with the material sense objects and modes of nature.
  • But because of one’s false identification with the material body, the modes of nature are empowered to engage one in illusory occupations.
  • By destroying this false identification with matter, the soul gives up the illusory occupations awarded by the modes of nature.

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

Uncertainty → Clarity. The coming separation makes the instruction personally urgent.

Chapters 10–20 of Canto 11: Kṛṣṇa's teachings on self, yoga and wisdom. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 13: The Haṁsa-avatāra Answers the Questions of the Sons of Brahmā

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Lord Haṁsa proceeded to give instructions about the categorical identity of the self, the different states of consciousness (wakeful awareness, sleep and deep sleep) and the means for conquering over material existence. The sages headed by Sanaka became freed from all their doubts by hearing the words of the Lord and worshiped Him with pure devotion in mature love of God.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.13
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yarhiwhereas
  2. saṁsṛtiof material intelligence or material existence
  3. bandhaḥbondage
  4. ayamthis is
  5. ātmanaḥof the soul
  6. guṇain the modes of nature
  7. vṛtti-daḥthat which gives occupations
  8. mayiin Me
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “renounce”, “give up”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “material”, “illusion”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “spirit soul”

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

Where am I trying to overcome illusion without taking shelter in Kṛṣṇa?

Practice

Take one quiet moment today to turn your attention to Kṛṣṇa and acknowledge your dependence on Him for freedom from illusion.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFreedom Requires Shelter in KṛṣṇaThis 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 11.13.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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