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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
2.8.232.8.25

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.8.24

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

सर्वमेतच्च भगवन् पृच्छतो मेऽनुपूर्वश: ।

तत्त्वतोऽर्हस्युदाहर्तुं प्रपन्नाय महामुने ॥ २४ ॥

sarvam etac ca bhagavan

pṛcchato me ’nupūrvaśaḥ

tattvato ’rhasy udāhartuṁ

prapannāya mahā-mune

Translation

O great sage, representative of the Lord, kindly satisfy my inquisitiveness in all that I have inquired from you and all that I may not have inquired from you from the very beginning of my questionings. Since I am a soul surrendered unto you, please impart full knowledge in this connection.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Ask Sincerely and Remain Open

  1. 1

    The spiritual master is prepared to impart knowledge, especially when the disciple is sincerely inquisitive. Such inquisitiveness is necessary for progress.

  2. 2

    One should approach a spiritual master with genuine interest in self-realization, not merely to make a show of discipleship.

  3. 3

    Mahārāja Parīkṣit wanted to learn even what he had not thought to ask. The bona fide spiritual master can enlighten the disciple beyond the limits of the disciple’s questions.

Key points from the purport
  • The spiritual master is always prepared to impart knowledge to the disciple and specifically when the disciple is very inquisitive.
  • If one is not very inquisitive about self-realization, one need not approach a spiritual master simply to make a show of discipleship.
  • Factually it is not possible for a man to inquire about everything from the spiritual master, but the bona fide spiritual master is able to enlighten the disciple in every way for the disciple’s benefit.

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 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
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. sarvamall these
  2. etatinquiries
  3. caalso that I have not been able to ask
  4. bhagavanO great sage
  5. pṛcchataḥof the inquisitive
  6. memyself
  7. anupūrvaśaḥfrom the beginning
  8. tattvataḥjust in accordance with the truth
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “inquired”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

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

    In this verse: “kindly”

  • Śaraṇāgati · Wholehearted surrender

    Relinquishing ownership while entrusting oneself to the Lord. · Theme in SB 2.8

    In this verse: “surrendered”

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 willing to receive guidance about things I have not yet thought to ask?

Practice

Write one genuine question about self-realization, leaving space to note guidance beyond what you asked.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAsk Sincerely and Remain OpenThis 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 2.8.24? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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