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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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Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 12: Creation of the Kumāras and Others
3.12.303.12.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.31

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.12.20inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

तेजीयसामपि ह्येतन्न सुश्लोक्यं जगद्गुरो ।

यद्‌वृत्तमनुतिष्ठन् वै लोक: क्षेमाय कल्पते ॥ ३१ ॥

tejīyasām api hy etan

na suślokyaṁ jagad-guro

yad-vṛttam anutiṣṭhan vai

lokaḥ kṣemāya kalpate

Translation

Even though you are the most powerful being, this act does not suit you because your character is followed for spiritual improvement by people in general.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Great Power Calls for Exemplary Conduct

  1. 1

    Although Brahmā remains unimpeachable, his position as spiritual master calls for ideal behavior and character.

  2. 2

    The sun evaporates water even from filthy places without becoming contaminated. The purport uses this example to explain the position of a supremely powerful being.

  3. 3

    People follow their spiritual teacher’s conduct for spiritual improvement. Therefore, Brahmā should not have acted as he did.

Key points from the purport
  • For example, the sun, the most powerful fiery planet in the universe, can evaporate water from anywhere and still remain as powerful.
  • But still, since he is the spiritual master of all living entities, his behavior and character should be so ideal that people will follow such sublime behavior and derive the highest spiritual benefit.
  • Therefore, he should not have acted as he did.

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 12: Creation of the Kumāras and Others

Brahmā’s creation continues with sages, Rudra, sacrificial practices, religious principles, and further forms of life.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.12
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tejīyasāmof the most powerful
  2. apialso
  3. hicertainly
  4. etatsuch an act
  5. nanot suitable
  6. su-ślokyamgood behavior
  7. jagat-guroO spiritual master of the universe
  8. yatwhose
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “contaminated”

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

Does my behavior offer a helpful example to those who may follow it?

Practice

Choose one action today that someone could safely follow for spiritual improvement.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGreat Power Calls for Exemplary ConductThis 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 3.12.31? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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