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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 6: Puruṣa-sūkta Confirmed
2.6.192.6.21

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.6.20

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Brahmāsince 2.6.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitLord Brahmā → Nārada Muni

पादास्त्रयो बहिश्चासन्नप्रजानां य आश्रमा: ।

अन्तस्त्रिलोक्यास्त्वपरो गृहमेधोऽबृहद्‍व्रत: ॥ २० ॥

pādās trayo bahiś cāsann

aprajānāṁ ya āśramāḥ

antas tri-lokyās tv aparo

gṛha-medho ’bṛhad-vrataḥ

Translation

The spiritual world, which consists of three fourths of the Lord’s energy, is situated beyond this material world, and it is especially meant for those who will never be reborn. Others, who are attached to family life and who do not strictly follow celibacy vows, must live within the three material worlds.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Self-Control Prepares Us for Spiritual Life

  1. 1

    The spiritual world comprises three fourths of the Lord’s energy. It is beyond material existence, without death or fear, and full of happiness and knowledge.

  2. 2

    Birth, death, old age and disease concern the material body, not the spirit soul. Attachment to sensual enjoyment keeps the soul in repeated birth and death.

  3. 3

    The varṇāśrama system trains people in celibacy and detachment, beginning with student life. Its highest perfection is freedom from rebirth and full engagement in the Lord’s service.

Key points from the purport
  • The brahmacārī life is for students who are educated to follow strictly the vow of celibacy.
  • Youngsters who have had no taste of sex life can easily follow the vow of celibacy, and once fixed in the principle of such a life, one can very easily continue to the highest perfectional stage, attaining the kingdom of the three-fourths energy of the Lord.
  • Any form of religious principles in which the followers are trained to pursue the vow of celibacy is good for the human being because only those who are trained in that way can end the miserable life of material existence.

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

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 6: Puruṣa-sūkta Confirmed

Brahmā describes the universal form, his sacrifice, and the Lord’s control over creation, maintenance, and destruction.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.6
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. pādāḥ trayaḥthe cosmos of three fourths of the Lord’s energy
  2. bahiḥthus situated beyond
  3. caand for all
  4. āsanwere
  5. aprajānāmof those who are not meant for rebirth
  6. yethose
  7. āśramāḥstatus of life
  8. antaḥwithin
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sthāna · Planetary systems

    How is the universe arranged, and what is our right place in it? · Subject 3 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 2.6

    In this verse: “attached”, “material”, “attachment”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 2.6

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “spirit soul”

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 2.6

    In this verse: “fear”, “death”

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

How could greater self-control help me give more attention to serving the Lord?

Practice

Set aside one sensual distraction today and use that time to reflect on service to the Lord.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySelf-Control Prepares Us for Spiritual LifeThis 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 2.6.20? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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