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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.
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Canto 11 · Chapter 23: The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa
11.23.611.23.8

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.23.7

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kṛṣṇasince 11.23.2inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → Uddhava

ज्ञातयोऽतिथयस्तस्य वाङ्‍मात्रेणापि नार्चिता: ।

शून्यावसथ आत्मापि काले कामैरनर्चित: ॥ ७ ॥

jñātayo ’tithayas tasya

vāṅ-mātreṇāpi nārcitāḥ

śūnyāvasatha ātmāpi

kāle kāmair anarcitaḥ

Translation

In his home, devoid of religiosity and lawful sense gratification, the family members and guests were never properly respected, even with words. He would not even allow sufficient gratification for his own body at the suitable times.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

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.

Miserliness Empties a Home of Respect

  1. 1

    The brāhmaṇa’s home was devoid of religiosity and lawful sense gratification.

  2. 2

    His relatives and guests were not properly respected, even with words.

  3. 3

    He would not provide sufficient gratification even for his own body at suitable times. His withholding affected both others and himself.

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 23: The Song of the Avantī Brāhmaṇa

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

In due course of time, thieves, family members and providence took away the sum total of his wealth. Finding himself without any property and abandoned by everyone, the brāhmaṇa developed a deep sense of renunciation.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.23
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. jñātayaḥthe relatives
  2. atithayaḥand guests
  3. tasyahis
  4. vāk-mātreṇa apieven by words
  5. na arcitāḥwere not shown respect
  6. śūnya-avasathein his home deprived of religiosity and sense gratification
  7. ātmāhimself
  8. apieven
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 11.23

    In this verse: “sense gratification”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 11.23

    In this verse: “religiosity”

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

Am I withholding simple respect or appropriate care in my own home?

Practice

Offer a family member or guest a sincere, respectful greeting today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayMiserliness Empties a Home of RespectThis 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 11.23.7? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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