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

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Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 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 3 · Chapter 11: Calculation of Time, from the Atom
3.11.53.11.7

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.11.6

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

त्रसरेणुत्रिकं भुङ्क्ते य: काल: स त्रुटि: स्मृत: ।

शतभागस्तु वेध: स्यात्तैस्त्रिभिस्तु लव: स्मृत: ॥ ६ ॥

trasareṇu-trikaṁ bhuṅkte

yaḥ kālaḥ sa truṭiḥ smṛtaḥ

śata-bhāgas tu vedhaḥ syāt

tais tribhis tu lavaḥ smṛtaḥ

Translation

The time duration needed for the integration of three trasareṇus is called a truṭi, and one hundred truṭis make one vedha. Three vedhas make one lava.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Tiny Durations Form Measures of Time

  1. 1

    A truṭi is the time needed for three trasareṇus, or eighteen atomic particles, to integrate. The purport calculates it as one of 1,687.5 equal parts of a second.

  2. 2

    One hundred truṭis make one vedha, and three vedhas make one lava.

  3. 3

    The combination of atoms into different bodies creates the calculation of material time. The sun is the central point for calculating different durations.

Key points from the purport
  • It is calculated that if a second is divided into 1, 687.5 parts, each part is the duration of a truṭi, which is the time occupied in the integration of eighteen atomic particles.
  • Such a combination of atoms into different bodies creates the calculation of material time.
  • The sun is the central point for calculating all different durations.

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
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. trasareṇu-trikamcombination of three hexatoms
  2. bhuṅkteas they take time to integrate
  3. yaḥthat which
  4. kālaḥduration of time
  5. saḥthat
  6. truṭiḥby the name truṭi
  7. smṛtaḥis called
  8. śata-bhāgaḥone hundred truṭis
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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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.11

    In this verse: “material”

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What stands out to you about measuring time in such small divisions?

Practice

Write this short sequence once: 100 truṭis = 1 vedha; 3 vedhas = 1 lava.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayTiny Durations Form Measures of TimeThis 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 3.11.6? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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