1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

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

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 chapters

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233

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 15: Description of the Kingdom of God
3.15.73.15.9

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.15.8

Sthāna· The universe in order
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The fortunate demigodssince 3.15.3inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

यस्य वाचा प्रजा: सर्वा गावस्तन्त्येव यन्त्रिता: ।

हरन्ति बलिमायत्तास्तस्मै मुख्याय ते नम: ॥ ८ ॥

yasya vācā prajāḥ sarvā

gāvas tantyeva yantritāḥ

haranti balim āyattās

tasmai mukhyāya te namaḥ

Translation

All the living entities within the universe are conducted by the Vedic directions, as a bull is directed by the rope attached to its nose. No one can violate the rules laid down in the Vedic literatures. To the chief person, who has contributed the Vedas, we offer our respect!

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Follow the Supreme Lord’s Vedic Directions

  1. 1

    The Vedic literatures are the laws of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Anyone seeking real benefit must act according to their directions.

  2. 2

    The purport compares sense gratification to salt: neither too much nor too little is suitable. The senses should be used according to Vedic direction rather than without regulation.

  3. 3

    Ignoring these directions brings a more miserable condition of life. Neither human beings nor demigods can make equivalent laws, because Vedic regulations come from the Supreme Lord.

Key points from the purport
  • The Vedic literatures are the laws of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
  • One cannot violate the injunctions given in the Vedic literatures any more than one can violate the state laws.
  • Any living creature who wants real benefit in life must act according to the direction of the Vedic literature.

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

Threat and anger → Rescue and wonder. Divine protection appears amid cosmic confrontation.

Chapters 13–19 of Canto 3: Varāha, Jaya and Vijaya, Hiraṇyākṣa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 15: Description of the Kingdom of God

Brahmā describes Vaikuṇṭha, where the Kumāras curse two doorkeepers and then behold the Lord.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yasyaof whom
  2. vācāby the Vedic directions
  3. prajāḥliving entities
  4. sarvāḥall
  5. gāvaḥbulls
  6. tantyāby a rope
  7. ivaas
  8. yantritāḥare directed
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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.15

    In this verse: “attached”, “sense gratification”

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

Where do I need guidance and regulation in my use of the senses?

Practice

Identify one sensory habit today and consider whether it follows the Vedic guidance you have learned.

5

The story around it

The stories this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFollow the Supreme Lord’s Vedic DirectionsThis 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 3.15.8? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories