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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 26: Fundamental Principles of Material Nature
3.26.323.26.34

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.26.33

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The Supreme Personality of Godheadsince 3.26.10inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

अर्थाश्रयत्वं शब्दस्य द्रष्टुर्लिङ्गत्वमेव च ।

तन्मात्रत्वं च नभसो लक्षणं कवयो विदु: ॥ ३३ ॥

arthāśrayatvaṁ śabdasya

draṣṭur liṅgatvam eva ca

tan-mātratvaṁ ca nabhaso

lakṣaṇaṁ kavayo viduḥ

Translation

Persons who are learned and who have true knowledge define sound as that which conveys the idea of an object, indicates the presence of a speaker screened from our view and constitutes the subtle form of ether.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Receive Knowledge from the Supreme Lord

  1. 1

    Sound conveys the meaning of an object, indicates a speaker even when unseen, and is the subtle form of ether. Hearing implies a speaker.

  2. 2

    The Supreme Personality of Godhead imparted Vedic knowledge within Brahmā's heart as Paramātmā. Because its source is the Supreme Lord, this knowledge is free from material defects.

  3. 3

    Knowledge of God comes from God Himself, not from mental speculation. Hearing Bhagavad-gītā from a person authorized in disciplic succession gives access to this knowledge.

Key points from the purport
  • Vedic knowledge is understood to be spoken by the Supreme Lord, and therefore it is free from the defects of material understanding.
  • If we receive that Vedic knowledge from Brahmā in disciplic succession, then we receive perfect knowledge.
  • Therefore the objects of knowledge and sense perception begin from the sky.

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

Entanglement → Insight and liberation. Inquiry matures into instruction in devotion and spiritual nature.

Chapters 25–33 of Canto 3: Kapila instructs Devahūti. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 26: Fundamental Principles of Material Nature

Kapila explains material nature, consciousness, time, the elements, and the manifestation of the universal form.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.26
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. artha-āśrayatvamthat which conveys the meaning of an object
  2. śabdasyaof sound
  3. draṣṭuḥof the speaker
  4. liṅgatvamthat which indicates the presence
  5. evaalso
  6. caand
  7. tat-mātratvamthe subtle element
  8. caand
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Sarga · The creation of the universe

    Where does the universe come from? · Subject 1 of 10

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 3.26

    In this verse: “knowledge”

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 3.26

    In this verse: “free from”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.26

    In this verse: “material”

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

Am I seeking to understand God through authorized hearing or through my own speculation?

Practice

Spend a few minutes hearing Bhagavad-gītā from a person authorized in disciplic succession.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayReceive Knowledge from the Supreme LordThis 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 3.26.33? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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