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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 2: Remembrance of Lord Kṛṣṇa
3.2.83.2.10

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.2.9

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Uddhavasince 3.2.7inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitUddhava → Vidura

इङ्गितज्ञा: पुरुप्रौढा एकारामाश्च सात्वता: ।

सात्वतामृषभं सर्वे भूतावासममंसत ॥ ९ ॥

iṅgita-jñāḥ puru-prauḍhā

ekārāmāś ca sātvatāḥ

sātvatām ṛṣabhaṁ sarve

bhūtāvāsam amaṁsata

Translation

The Yadus were all experienced devotees, learned and expert in psychic study. Over and above this, they were always with the Lord in all kinds of relaxations, and still they were only able to know Him as the one Supreme who dwells everywhere.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord Is Known Through His Mercy

  1. 1

    The Supreme Lord cannot be understood simply through learning or mental speculation. He can be known only by one who receives His mercy.

  2. 2

    The Yadus were exceptionally learned and experienced. They recognized Kṛṣṇa as the Supersoul dwelling everywhere, but did not understand Him as the original Personality of Godhead.

  3. 3

    The residents of Vṛndāvana were pure devotees who thought of Kṛṣṇa only as their object of love. They did not know Him as the Paramātmā or the Personality of Godhead.

Key points from the purport
  • In Vṛndāvana, however, the Lord was not even known as the Paramātmā because the residents of Vṛndāvana were pure unconventional devotees of the Lord and could think of Him only as their object of love.
  • The Yadus, or the residents of Dvārakā, however, could know Lord Kṛṣṇa as Vāsudeva, or the Supersoul living everywhere, but not as the Supreme Lord.
  • The Yadus, therefore, accepted Lord Kṛṣṇa as the Supersoul incarnated in their family, and not more than that.

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

Separation → Devotional remembrance. Uddhava's tears and silence make remembrance emotionally immediate.

Chapters 1–4 of Canto 3: Vidura meets Uddhava and hears of Kṛṣṇa. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 2: Remembrance of Lord Kṛṣṇa

Uddhava remembers Kṛṣṇa in devotional ecstasy and recounts His disappearance, supremacy, and childhood activities.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.2
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. iṅgita-jñāḥexpert in psychic study
  2. puru-prauḍhāḥhighly experienced
  3. ekaone
  4. ārāmāḥrelaxation
  5. caalso
  6. sātvatāḥdevotees, or own men
  7. sātvatām ṛṣabhamhead of the family
  8. sarveall
  9. bhūta-āvāsamall-pervading
  10. amaṁsatacould think
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.2

    In this verse: “devotees”

  • Prema · Transcendental love

    The intimacy and sweetness of devotion to Kṛṣṇa. · Theme in SB 3.2

    In this verse: “love”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 3.2

    In this verse: “mercy”

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Do I depend only on my understanding, or also seek the Lord’s mercy?

Practice

Before studying today, offer a brief prayer for the Lord’s mercy to understand Him and deepen your devotion.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord Is Known Through His MercyThis 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 3.2.9? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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