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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 14: Lord Kṛṣṇa Explains the Yoga System to Śrī Uddhava
11.14.2711.14.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.14.28

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Supreme Personality of Godheadsince 11.14.3inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

तस्मादसदभिध्यानं यथा स्वप्नमनोरथम् ।

हित्वा मयि समाधत्स्व मनो मद्भ‍ावभावितम् ॥ २८ ॥

tasmād asad-abhidhyānaṁ

yathā svapna-manoratham

hitvā mayi samādhatsva

mano mad-bhāva-bhāvitam

Translation

Therefore, one should reject all material processes of elevation, which are like the mental creations of a dream, and should completely absorb one’s mind in Me. By constantly thinking of Me, one becomes purified.

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.

Absorb the Mind in Lasting Reality

  1. 1

    Material processes of elevation are like the mental creations of a dream. The Lord instructs one to give them up and absorb the mind completely in Him.

  2. 2

    Material existence is an unstable platform, continually disturbed by creation and annihilation.

  3. 3

    One whose consciousness is absorbed in Kṛṣṇa becomes purified and attains His nature. Kṛṣṇa consciousness places one in real existence.

Key points from the purport
  • As explained in Bhagavad-gītā, material existence is an unstable platform subject to the constant disturbances of creation and annihilation.
  • One who absorbs his consciousness in Kṛṣṇa, however, attains to Kṛṣṇa’s nature and is therefore described as mad-bhāva-bhāvitam, or one situated in real existence because of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
  • The Lord here concludes His analysis of different processes of human perfection.

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 14: Lord Kṛṣṇa Explains the Yoga System to Śrī Uddhava

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

One desiring to attain the perfection of life is advised to give up all material processes of elevation as well as the association of women. He should then merge his mind constantly in thought of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.14
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tasmāttherefore
  2. asatmaterial
  3. abhidhyānamprocesses of elevation which absorb one’s attention
  4. yathājust as
  5. svapnain a dream
  6. manaḥ-rathammental concoction
  7. hitvāgiving up
  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

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 11.14

    In this verse: “purified”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.14

    In this verse: “material”

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 seeking lasting stability in something that is temporary?

Practice

Pause one train of thought about material advancement and spend a minute consciously remembering Kṛṣṇa.

Live this todayAbsorb the Mind in Lasting RealityThis 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 11.14.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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