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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 21: Conversation Between Manu and Kardama
3.21.303.21.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.21.31

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Lordsince 3.21.24inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

कृत्वा दयां च जीवेषु दत्त्वा चाभयमात्मवान् ।

मय्यात्मानं सह जगद् द्रक्ष्यस्यात्मनि चापि माम् ॥ ३१ ॥

kṛtvā dayāṁ ca jīveṣu

dattvā cābhayam ātmavān

mayy ātmānaṁ saha jagad

drakṣyasy ātmani cāpi mām

Translation

Showing compassion to all living entities, you will attain self-realization. Giving assurance of safety to all, you will perceive your own self as well as all the universes in Me, and Myself in you.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Show Compassion Through Devotional Service

  1. 1

    Everything is a manifestation of the Supreme Lord’s energy and belongs to Him. Although nothing exists without Him, He retains His separate personal existence; everything should therefore be engaged in His service.

  2. 2

    A devotee is not satisfied to practice devotional service alone, but compassionately shares knowledge of it with others. Worship should be accompanied by sympathy for people and respect for devotees.

  3. 3

    Giving assurance of fearlessness is the greatest charity. Through Kṛṣṇa consciousness, a devotee becomes convinced of the Lord’s protection and helps others awaken their eternal relationship with Him.

Key points from the purport
  • Everything, whatever we see, is the manifestation of the Supreme Lord; therefore, everything should be engaged in the service of the Lord.
  • A person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, a devotee of the Lord, is always compassionate.
  • As long as one is not compassionate to people in general in his devotional service to the Lord, he is a third-class devotee.

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

Longing and service → Preparedness. Family devotion turns toward higher spiritual fulfillment.

Chapters 20–24 of Canto 3: Kardama, Devahūti, family and renunciation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 21: Conversation Between Manu and Kardama

Kardama performs penance, receives the Lord’s blessings, and welcomes Manu, who travels with his wife and daughter.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.21
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kṛtvāhaving shown
  2. dayāmcompassion
  3. caand
  4. jīveṣutoward living beings
  5. dattvāhaving given
  6. caand
  7. abhayamassurance of safety
  8. ātma-vānself-realized
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “devotional service”, “devotee”, “worship”

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “compassion”, “compassionately”

  • Rakṣā · Divine protection

    Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 3.21

    In this verse: “safety”, “protection”

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 can my devotional practice include greater compassion for someone else?

Practice

Share one teaching about devotional service with a willing friend or family member.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayShow Compassion Through Devotional ServiceThis 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 3.21.31? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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