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Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

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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 3 · Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom
3.11.43.11.6

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.5

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.10.11inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

अणुर्द्वौ परमाणु स्यात्त्रसरेणुस्त्रय: स्मृत: ।

जालार्करश्म्यवगत: खमेवानुपतन्नगात् ॥ ५ ॥

aṇur dvau paramāṇū syāt

trasareṇus trayaḥ smṛtaḥ

jālārka-raśmy-avagataḥ

kham evānupatann agāt

Translation

The division of gross time is calculated as follows: two atoms make one double atom, and three double atoms make one hexatom. This hexatom is visible in the sunshine which enters through the holes of a window screen. One can clearly see that the hexatom goes up towards the sky.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

From Invisible Atoms to Visible Combinations

  1. 1

    The atom is described as an invisible particle. Two atoms make one double atom.

  2. 2

    Three double atoms make one hexatom. This combination of six atoms is called a trasareṇu.

  3. 3

    The trasareṇu is described as visible in sunshine entering through holes in a window screen, moving upward.

Key points from the purport
  • The atom is described as an invisible particle, but when six such atoms combine together, they are called a trasareṇu, and this is visible in the sunshine pouring through the holes of a window screen.

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

Mystery → Cosmic wonder. The origin of the world is revealed through inquiry and divine grace.

Chapters 5–12 of Canto 3: Creation and Brahmā's bewilderment. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom

Maitreya describes time from atomic measurements to Brahmā’s lifespan, along with cycles of creation and devastation.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. aṇuḥdouble atom
  2. dvautwo
  3. parama-aṇuatoms
  4. syātbecome
  5. trasareṇuḥhexatom
  6. trayaḥthree
  7. smṛtaḥconsidered
  8. jāla-arkaof sunshine through the holes of a window screen
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

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What distinction does this verse make between an atom and a trasareṇu?

Practice

Draw six small dots and group them into three pairs to remember the composition of a trasareṇu.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFrom Invisible Atoms to Visible CombinationsThis 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 3.11.5? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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