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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
11.13.3211.13.34

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.13.33

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

एवं विमृश्य गुणतो मनसस्त्र्यवस्था

मन्मायया मयि कृता इति निश्चितार्था: ।

सञ्छिद्य हार्दमनुमानसदुक्तितीक्ष्ण-

ज्ञानासिना भजत माखिलसंशयाधिम् ॥ ३३ ॥

evaṁ vimṛśya guṇato manasas try-avasthā

man-māyayā mayi kṛtā iti niścitārthāḥ

sañchidya hārdam anumāna-sad-ukti-tīkṣṇa-

jñānāsinā bhajata mākhila-saṁśayādhim

Translation

You should consider how, by the influence of My illusory energy, these three states of the mind, caused by the modes of nature, have been artificially imagined to exist in Me. Having definitely ascertained the truth of the soul, you should utilize the sharpened sword of knowledge, acquired by logical reflection and from the instructions of sages and Vedic literatures, to completely cut off the false ego, which is the breeding ground of all doubts. All of you should then worship Me, who am situated within the heart.

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.

Cut False Ego and Worship the Lord

  1. 1

    The three ordinary states of consciousness arise through the modes of nature and the Lord’s illusory energy. Transcendental knowledge frees one from dependence on these states.

  2. 2

    Logical reflection and the instructions of sages and Vedic literatures sharpen the sword of knowledge. This knowledge cuts off false ego, the breeding ground of doubts.

  3. 3

    Everything is part of the Lord’s potency and is meant for His enjoyment. Understanding this leads naturally to surrender in devotional service and worship of the Lord within the heart.

Key points from the purport
  • One who has obtained transcendental knowledge is no longer dependent on the three stages of ordinary consciousness, namely waking, dreaming and dreamless sleep.
  • One thus rids one’s material mind of the tendency to become the enjoyer of the inferior energy of the Lord, and one sees everything as part and parcel of the Lord’s potency, meant only for the enjoyment of the Lord Himself.
  • In such a state of consciousness, one naturally surrenders fully to the Lord’s devotional service, which Lord Haṁsa here advises the sons of Lord Brahmā to take up.

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. evamthus
  2. vimṛśyaconsidering
  3. guṇataḥby the modes of nature
  4. manasaḥof the mind
  5. tri-avasthāḥthe three states of consciousness
  6. mat-māyayāby the influence of My illusory potency
  7. mayiin Me
  8. kṛtāḥimposed
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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “worship”, “devotional service”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

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

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “understanding”

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 11.13

    In this verse: “false ego”

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 be the enjoyer rather than serving the Lord’s enjoyment?

Practice

Pause before one activity and consciously dedicate it to the Lord’s enjoyment rather than your own.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayCut False Ego and Worship the LordThis 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 11.13.33? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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