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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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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 11 · Chapter 20: Pure Devotional Service Surpasses Knowledge and Detachment
11.20.111.20.3

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.20.2

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Uddhavasince 11.20.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

वर्णाश्रमविकल्पं च प्रतिलोमानुलोमजम् ।

द्रव्यदेशवय:कालान् स्वर्गं नरकमेव च ॥ २ ॥

varṇāśrama-vikalpaṁ ca

pratilomānulomajam

dravya-deśa-vayaḥ-kālān

svargaṁ narakam eva ca

Translation

According to Vedic literature, the superior and inferior varieties found in the human social system, varṇāśrama, are due to pious and sinful modes of family planning. Thus piety and sin are constant points of reference in the Vedic analysis of the components of a given situation — namely the material ingredients, place, age and time. Indeed, the Vedas reveal the existence of material heaven and hell, which are certainly based on piety and sin.

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.

Understand Uddhava’s Question About Piety

  1. 1

    The verse describes distinctions within varṇāśrama as connected with pious and sinful modes of family planning. The purport explains these distinctions through different combinations of parental social status.

  2. 2

    Vedic analysis considers material ingredients, place, age and time in relation to piety and sin. Material heaven and hell also depend on this distinction.

  3. 3

    Uddhava points out that the entire Vedic social system distinguishes piety from sin. He therefore asks the Lord to explain more fully how one should transcend both.

Key points from the purport
  • Anuloma indicates those born from a superior father and inferior mother.
  • The mūrdhāvasikta are those born of a brāhmaṇa father and kṣatriya mother.
  • In any case, the entire Vedic social system is based on distinguishing between piety and sin, and Śrī Uddhava is encouraging the Lord to explain more elaborately His statement that one should transcend both piety and sin.

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 20: Pure Devotional Service Surpasses Knowledge and Detachment

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

In these Vedic literatures is found an outlook of duality, based on such concepts as the varṇāśrama system, and at the same time the Vedas reject this dualistic vision. Uddhava, desiring to understand the reason why the scriptures contain such conflicting ideas, and how these might be reconciled, inquired from Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa about this matter.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.20
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. varṇa-āśramaof the varṇāśrama system
  2. vikalpamthe variety of superior and inferior positions created by piety and sin
  3. caand
  4. pratilomabirth in a mixed family wherein the father is inferior in social status to the mother
  5. anuloma-jambirth in a mixed family in which the father is superior in social status to the mother
  6. dravyamaterial objects or possessions
  7. deśathe place
  8. vayaḥone’s age
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

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 11.20

    In this verse: “sinful”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.20

    In this verse: “material”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 11.20

    In this verse: “varṇāśrama”

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

Why does the importance of piety and sin in Vedic teaching make Uddhava’s question significant?

Practice

List the four factors named in the translation: material ingredients, place, age and time.

Live this todayUnderstand Uddhava’s Question About PietyThis 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 11.20.2? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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