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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
2.8.182.8.20

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.8.19

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Kingsince 2.8.2inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तत्त्वानां परिसंख्यानं लक्षणं हेतुलक्षणम् ।

पुरुषाराधनविधिर्योगस्याध्यात्मिकस्य च ॥ १९ ॥

tattvānāṁ parisaṅkhyānaṁ

lakṣaṇaṁ hetu-lakṣaṇam

puruṣārādhana-vidhir

yogasyādhyātmikasya ca

Translation

Kindly explain all about the elementary principles of creation, the number of such elementary principles, their causes, and their development, and also the process of devotional service and the method of mystic powers.

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.

Understand Creation and the Process of Devotion

  1. 1

    The verse asks for an explanation of the elementary principles of creation and their number.

  2. 2

    It also asks about the causes and development of these principles, seeking more than a simple list.

  3. 3

    Alongside questions about creation, it requests an explanation of the process of devotional service and the method of mystic powers.

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. tattvānāmof the elements that constitute the creation
  2. parisaṅkhyānamof the number of such elements
  3. lakṣaṇamsymptoms
  4. hetu-lakṣaṇamthe symptoms of the causes
  5. puruṣaof the Lord
  6. ārādhanaof devotional service
  7. vidhiḥrules and regulations
  8. yogasyaof cultivation of the yoga system
  9. adhyātmikasyaspiritual methods leading to devotional service
  10. caalso
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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “devotional service”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “kindly”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “principles”

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

Am I seeking to understand the process of devotional service as well as the workings of creation?

Practice

Write one specific question about how to practice devotional service.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayUnderstand Creation and the Process of DevotionThis 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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