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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 5: The Cause of All Causes
2.4.252.5.2

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.5.1

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 2.5.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Brahmā → Nārada Muni

नारद उवाच

देवदेव नमस्तेऽस्तु भूतभावन पूर्वज ।

तद् विजानीहि यज्ज्ञानमात्मतत्त्वनिदर्शनम् ॥ १ ॥

nārada uvāca

deva-deva namas te ’stu

bhūta-bhāvana pūrvaja

tad vijānīhi yaj jñānam

ātma-tattva-nidarśanam

Translation

Śrī Nārada Muni asked Brahmājī: O chief amongst the demigods, O firstborn living entity, I beg to offer my respectful obeisances unto you. Please tell me that transcendental knowledge which specifically directs one to the truth of the individual soul and the Supersoul.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Receive Knowledge Through Humble Inquiry and Service

  1. 1

    Brahmājī received knowledge directly from the Supreme Lord and passed it to Nārada. Asking the right person and receiving knowledge properly is the process of disciplic succession.

  2. 2

    An inquisitive student approaches a qualified spiritual master with surrender, submissive inquiries and service. This is how transcendental knowledge is received.

  3. 3

    A genuine spiritual master does not demand money in exchange for knowledge. The sincere student's service pleases him and opens the way to understanding the individual soul and the Supersoul.

Key points from the purport
  • In the previous chapter it has been established that Brahmājī, the firstborn living entity, received knowledge directly from the Supreme Lord, and the same knowledge was imparted to Nārada, the next disciple.
  • Nārada asked to receive the knowledge, and Brahmājī imparted it upon being asked.
  • A bona fide student has to satisfy him by sincere service to obtain knowledge of the relation and nature of the individual soul and the Supersoul.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Connected verses· 1

The purport of SB 2.5.1 quotesBG 4.2

This process is recommended in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.2).

Each link is a verse the purport itself quotes, or a purport elsewhere that quotes this verse, shown with the purport's own words.

How it feels

Uncertainty → Awe. The scale of reality widens dramatically.

Chapters 4–7 of Canto 2: The creation, cosmic Person and incarnations. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 5: The Cause of All Causes

Nārada questions Brahmā, who explains his dependence on the Supreme Lord and describes creation.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.5
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nāradaḥ uvācaŚrī Nārada said
  2. devaof all demigods
  3. devathe demigod
  4. namaḥobeisances
  5. teunto you as
  6. astuare
  7. bhūta-bhāvanathe generator of all living beings
  8. pūrva-jathe firstborn
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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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 2.5

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “inquiries”, “understanding”

  • Śaraṇāgati · Wholehearted surrender

    Relinquishing ownership while entrusting oneself to the Lord. · Theme in SB 2.5

    In this verse: “surrender”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How can I bring more humility and a spirit of service to my spiritual inquiries?

Practice

Write down one sincere question about the individual soul and the Supersoul to ask a qualified spiritual teacher.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayReceive Knowledge Through Humble Inquiry and ServiceThis 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 2.5.1? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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