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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
2.10.302.10.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.10.31

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

त्वक्‍चर्ममांसरुधिरमेदोमज्जास्थिधातव: ।

भूम्यप्तेजोमया: सप्त प्राणो व्योमाम्बुवायुभि: ॥ ३१ ॥

tvak-carma-māṁsa-rudhira-

medo-majjāsthi-dhātavaḥ

bhūmy-ap-tejomayāḥ sapta

prāṇo vyomāmbu-vāyubhiḥ

Translation

The seven elements of the body, namely the thin layer on the skin, the skin itself, the flesh, blood, fat, marrow and bone, are all made of earth, water and fire, whereas the life breath is produced by the sky, water and air.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Five Elements Sustain the Material Body

  1. 1

    The body's seven elements are made of earth, water and fire. The breathing air of life is produced from sky, air and water.

  2. 2

    Water is common to both the gross and subtle forms of material creation. The purport therefore describes it as the principal element among the five.

  3. 3

    Open air, regular bathing and ample living space favor healthy vitality. Fresh grains, vegetables, water and heat support the upkeep of the gross body.

Key points from the purport
  • The construction of the whole material world is prominently made by three elements, namely earth, water and fire.
  • This material body is thus an embodiment of the five elements, and the gross manifestation is perceived because of three, namely earth, water, and fire.
  • Fresh produce from the earth like grains and vegetables, as well as fresh water and heat, is good for the upkeep of the gross body.

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. tvakthe thin layer on the skin
  2. carmaskin
  3. māṁsaflesh
  4. rudhirablood
  5. medaḥfat
  6. majjāmarrow
  7. asthibone
  8. dhātavaḥelements
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

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 2.10

    In this verse: “favor”

  • Moha · Material attachment

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

    In this verse: “material”

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

Which simple provision for the body's upkeep could I give more attention to?

Practice

Include fresh grains or vegetables in one meal today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFive Elements Sustain the Material BodyThis 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 2.10.31? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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