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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 22: Enumeration of the Elements of Material Creation
11.22.811.22.10

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.22.9

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 11.22.4inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

पौर्वापर्यमतोऽमीषां प्रसङ्ख्यानमभीप्सताम् ।

यथा विविक्तं यद्वक्त्रं गृह्णीमो युक्तिसम्भवात् ॥ ९ ॥

paurvāparyam ato ’mīṣāṁ

prasaṅkhyānam abhīpsatām

yathā viviktaṁ yad-vaktraṁ

gṛhṇīmo yukti-sambhavāt

Translation

Therefore, no matter which of these thinkers is speaking, and regardless of whether in their calculations they include material elements within their previous subtle causes or else within their subsequent manifest products, I accept their conclusions as authoritative, because a logical explanation can always be given for each of the different theories.

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.

Perfect Knowledge Through Devotion

  1. 1

    The Lord accepts these different calculations when a logical explanation supports them. Causes may be counted within their effects, or effects within their causes.

  2. 2

    Following Vedic analysis can bring many insights into material creation. Discovering a particular truth, however, is no reason for false pride.

  3. 3

    Knowledge cannot become perfect without Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Ultimately, one must become a devotee of the Supreme Lord.

Key points from the purport
  • Although innumerable philosophers may rationally describe the material creation from different points of view, one cannot perfect one’s knowledge without Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
  • An intellectual person should therefore not be falsely proud simply because he has ascertained a particular truth within the material world.
  • Ultimately, however, one must become a devotee of the Supreme Lord and perfect one’s knowledge in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

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

Striving → Complete devotional trust. The Lord redirects Uddhava toward enduring loving service.

Chapters 21–29 of Canto 11: Spiritual practice culminating in bhakti-yoga. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 22: Enumeration of the Elements of Material Creation

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

All the elements of nature exist everywhere; so authorities who have accepted the illusory potency of the Supreme Personality may propose a variety of theories. The insurmountable illusory energy of God is the root cause of their mutually contradictory arguments.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.22
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. paurvaconsidering causal elements to include their manifest products
  2. aparyamor assuming elements to include their subtle causes
  3. ataḥtherefore
  4. amīṣāmof these thinkers
  5. prasaṅkhyānamthe counting
  6. abhīpsatāmwho are intending
  7. yathāhow
  8. viviktamascertained
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sarga · The creation of the universe

    Where does the universe come from? · Subject 1 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.22

    In this verse: “material”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 11.22

    In this verse: “devotee”

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 11.22

    In this verse: “pride”

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

Is what I learn making me more devoted, or merely more proud of what I know?

Practice

Review one insight from today’s study and offer a brief prayer to use your understanding in devotion to the Supreme Lord.

Live this todayPerfect Knowledge Through DevotionThis 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 11.22.9? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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