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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 8: The Story of Piṅgalā
11.8.3911.8.41

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 11.8.40

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The prostitute Piṅgalāsince 11.8.30inside 5 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Kṛṣṇa → UddhavaThe avadhūta → King YaduPiṅgalā → herself

सन्तुष्टा श्रद्दधत्येतद्यथालाभेन जीवती ।

विहराम्यमुनैवाहमात्मना रमणेन वै ॥ ४० ॥

santuṣṭā śraddadhaty etad

yathā-lābhena jīvatī

viharāmy amunaivāham

ātmanā ramaṇena vai

Translation

I am now completely satisfied, and I have full faith in the Lord’s mercy. Therefore I will maintain myself with whatever comes of its own accord. I shall enjoy life with only the Lord, because He is the real source of love and happiness.

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.

Contentment Through Faith in the Lord

  1. 1

    Piṅgalā declares that she is completely satisfied and has full faith in the Lord's mercy.

  2. 2

    She resolves to maintain herself with whatever comes of its own accord.

  3. 3

    She wishes to enjoy life with only the Lord, recognizing Him as the real source of love and happiness.

How it feels

Grief and dependence → Detachment. The temporary world becomes a source of spiritual instruction.

Chapters 7–9 of Canto 11: The avadhuta's twenty-four teachers. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 8: The Story of Piṅgalā

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

The instruction received from her is that hopes for sense gratification are the root cause of all suffering. Therefore, only one who has given up such hankering can fix himself in meditation upon the Personality of Godhead and achieve transcendental peace.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 11.8
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. santuṣṭācompletely satisfied
  2. śraddadhatīnow having complete faith
  3. etatin the Lord’s mercy
  4. yathā-lābhenawith whatever comes of its own accord
  5. jīvatīliving
  6. viharāmiI will enjoy life
  7. amunāwith that one
  8. evaonly
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

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 11.8

    In this verse: “mercy”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 11.8

    In this verse: “love”

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

What would change today if I sought love and happiness in the Lord rather than in acquiring more?

Practice

Accept one simple provision you already have today with gratitude, without seeking an unnecessary improvement.

5

The story around it

The stories this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayContentment Through Faith in 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 11.8.40? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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