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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 12: Creation of the Kumāras and Others
3.12.413.12.43

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.12.42

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.12.37inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

सावित्रं प्राजापत्यं च ब्राह्मं चाथ बृहत्तथा ।

वार्तासञ्चयशालीनशिलोञ्छ इति वै गृहे ॥ ४२ ॥

sāvitraṁ prājāpatyaṁ ca

brāhmaṁ cātha bṛhat tathā

vārtā sañcaya-śālīna-

śiloñcha iti vai gṛhe

Translation

Then the thread ceremony for the twice-born was inaugurated, as were the rules to be followed for at least one year after acceptance of the Vedas, rules for observing complete abstinence from sex life, vocations in terms of Vedic injunctions, various professional duties in household life, and the method of maintaining a livelihood without anyone’s cooperation by picking up rejected grains.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Training Reveals the Value of Human Life

  1. 1

    During student life, brahmacārīs received full instruction about the importance of the human form of life. Their basic education encouraged freedom from family encumbrances.

  2. 2

    Students unable to accept lifelong abstinence were allowed to return home and marry a suitable wife. Others remained permanent brahmacārīs, observing complete abstinence from sex life.

  3. 3

    Such commitment depended on the quality of the student's training. A lifelong, vowed brahmacārī is called a naiṣṭhika-brahmacārī.

Key points from the purport
  • During student life the brahmacārīs were given full instructions about the importance of the human form of life.
  • Thus the basic education was designed to encourage the student in becoming free from family encumbrances.
  • Otherwise, the student would remain a permanent brahmacārī, observing complete abstinence from sex life for his whole life.

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. sāvitramthe thread ceremony of the twice-born
  2. prājāpatyamto execute the vow for one year
  3. caand
  4. brāhmamacceptance of the Vedas
  5. caand
  6. athaalso
  7. bṛhatcomplete abstinence from sex life
  8. tathāthen
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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “household”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 3.12

    In this verse: “duties”

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

How is my learning helping me appreciate the importance of human life?

Practice

Write one sentence about why education should address the purpose of human life, not only earning a livelihood.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayTraining Reveals the Value of Human LifeThis 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 3.12.42? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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