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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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Canto 2 · The Cosmic Manifestation · 10 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 2 · Chapter 10: Bhāgavatam Is the Answer to All Questions
2.10.232.10.25

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.10.24

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 2.10.1inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

हस्तौ रुरुहतुस्तस्य नानाकर्मचिकीर्षया ।

तयोस्तु बलवानिन्द्र आदानमुभयाश्रयम् ॥ २४ ॥

hastau ruruhatus tasya

nānā-karma-cikīrṣayā

tayos tu balavān indra

ādānam ubhayāśrayam

Translation

Thereafter when the Supreme Person desired to perform varieties of work, the two hands and their controlling strength, and Indra, the demigod in heaven, became manifested, as also the acts dependent on both the hands and the demigod.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord Owns and Governs the Senses

  1. 1

    When the Supreme Person desired to work, the hands, their strength and their controlling deity, Indra, appeared. The senses are never independent.

  2. 2

    The Lord is Hṛṣīkeśa, the Lord of the senses. Each sense is controlled by a demigod, and the demigods are servants of the Supreme Lord.

  3. 3

    No living entity can claim ownership of the senses. Pride in being their independent master keeps one under the control of māyā, even if one declares oneself liberated.

Key points from the purport
  • Thus the sense organs of the living entities are manifested by the will of the Lord, and each organ is controlled by a certain type of demigod.
  • The living entity is controlled by the senses, the senses are controlled by the demigods, and the demigods are the servants of the Supreme Lord.
  • The illusioned living entity who claims to be the lord of his senses is under the clutches of the external energy of the Lord.

Śrīla Prabhupāda'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

Inquiry → Conviction. Divine knowledge resolves fundamental cosmic uncertainty.

Chapters 8–10 of Canto 2: Parīkṣit questions; Brahmā receives revelation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 10: Bhāgavatam Is the Answer to All Questions

Śukadeva outlines the Bhāgavatam’s subjects and describes creation through the Lord’s universal form.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.10
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. hastauthe hands
  2. ruruhatuḥmanifested
  3. tasyaHis
  4. nānāvarious
  5. karmawork
  6. cikīrṣayābeing so desirous
  7. tayoḥof them
  8. tuhowever
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

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 2.10

    In this verse: “pride”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 2.10

    In this verse: “māyā”

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 do I mistake an ability entrusted to me for something I independently own?

Practice

Before using your hands for one task, remember Hṛṣīkeśa and acknowledge that their strength is not independently yours.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord Owns and Governs the SensesThis 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.

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