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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.
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Canto 2 · Chapter 9: Answers by Citing the Lord’s Version
2.9.402.9.42

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 2.9.41

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Śukadeva Gosvāmīsince 2.9.38inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

तं नारद: प्रियतमो रिक्थादानामनुव्रत: ।

शुश्रूषमाण: शीलेन प्रश्रयेण दमेन च ॥ ४१ ॥

taṁ nāradaḥ priyatamo

rikthādānām anuvrataḥ

śuśrūṣamāṇaḥ śīlena

praśrayeṇa damena ca

Translation

Nārada, the most dear of the inheritor sons of Brahmā, always ready to serve his father, strictly follows the instructions of his father by his mannerly behavior, meekness and sense control.

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.

Serve With Humility and Self-Control

  1. 1

    Nārada was the most dear among Brahmā’s inheritor sons. He was always ready to serve his father.

  2. 2

    Nārada strictly followed his father’s instructions. His obedience was expressed through his behavior.

  3. 3

    Good manners, meekness and sense control marked Nārada’s service. His readiness to serve went together with personal discipline.

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 9: Answers by Citing the Lord’s Version

The Lord receives Brahmā, explains His eternal existence, and instructs him to remain fixed and free from pride.

Back to this verse in chapter 2.9
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tamunto him
  2. nāradaḥthe great sage Nārada
  3. priyatamaḥvery dear
  4. riktha-ādānāmof the inheritor sons
  5. anuvrataḥvery obedient
  6. śuśrūṣamāṇaḥalways ready to serve
  7. śīlenaby good behavior
  8. praśrayeṇaby meekness
  9. damenaby sense control
  10. caalso
3

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

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 2.9

    In this verse: “father”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How can I bring more humility and self-control to the service I offer?

Practice

Carry out one instruction you have received today with care, courtesy and without arguing.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayServe With Humility and Self-ControlThis 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 2.9.41? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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