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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 8: Questions by King Parīkṣit
2.8.122.8.14

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.8.13

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Kingsince 2.8.2inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

कालस्यानुगतिर्या तु लक्ष्यतेऽण्वी बृहत्यपि ।

यावत्य: कर्मगतयो याद‍ृशीर्द्विजसत्तम ॥ १३ ॥

kālasyānugatir yā tu

lakṣyate ’ṇvī bṛhaty api

yāvatyaḥ karma-gatayo

yādṛśīr dvija-sattama

Translation

O purest of the brāhmaṇas, please also explain the cause of the different durations of time, both short and long, as well as the beginning of time, following the course of action.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Inquire Into Time and Action

  1. 1

    The verse asks about the causes of different durations of time, both short and long.

  2. 2

    It also asks about the beginning of time, following the course of action.

  3. 3

    These questions are respectfully addressed to the purest of the brāhmaṇas. The verse requests explanation rather than supplying the answers.

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 8: Questions by King Parīkṣit

Parīkṣit requests further hearing about Kṛṣṇa and asks questions about creation, time, duty, and devotional service.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.8
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kālasyaof eternal time
  2. anugatiḥbeginning
  3. yā tuas they are
  4. lakṣyateexperienced
  5. aṇvīsmall
  6. bṛhatīgreat
  7. apieven
  8. yāvatyaḥas long as
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

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 I like to understand about time in relation to action?

Practice

Write down one question about the short and long durations of time mentioned here.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayInquire Into Time and ActionThis 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 2.8.13? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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