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

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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.
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Canto 3 · Chapter 29: Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
3.29.163.29.18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.29.17

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kapilasince 3.29.7inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

महतां बहुमानेन दीनानामनुकम्पया ।

मैत्र्या चैवात्मतुल्येषु यमेन नियमेन च ॥ १७ ॥

mahatāṁ bahu-mānena

dīnānām anukampayā

maitryā caivātma-tulyeṣu

yamena niyamena ca

Translation

The pure devotee should execute devotional service by giving the greatest respect to the spiritual master and the ācāryas. He should be compassionate to the poor and make friendship with persons who are his equals, but all his activities should be executed under regulation and with control of the senses.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Respect, Compassion, and Friendship in Devotion

  1. 1

    Give the highest respect to the spiritual master and the ācāryas. The spiritual master must belong to the disciplic succession from Kṛṣṇa, and should not be regarded as an ordinary man.

  2. 2

    In devotional vision, someone without Kṛṣṇa consciousness is poor, even if materially wealthy. A devotee shows compassion by sharing spiritual knowledge to help that person advance.

  3. 3

    Make friendship with devotees of similar understanding and steady character, discussing Kṛṣṇa together for mutual advancement. Follow the rules and regulations while steadily controlling the senses and mind.

Key points from the purport
  • In Bhagavad-gītā, Thirteenth Chapter, it is clearly stated that one should execute devotional service and advance on the path of spiritual knowledge by accepting the ācārya.
  • For a devotee, there is no point in making friendships with ordinary persons; he should make friendship with other devotees so that by discussing among themselves they may elevate one another on the path of spiritual understanding.
  • One should steadily control the senses and the mind and strictly follow the rules and regulations, and he should make friendship with persons of the same standard.

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 29: Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila

Kapila explains devotional service, honoring the Lord’s presence in all beings, and the power of time.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.29
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. mahatāmto the great souls
  2. bahu-mānenawith great respect
  3. dīnānāmto the poor
  4. anukampayāwith compassion
  5. maitryāwith friendship
  6. caalso
  7. evacertainly
  8. ātma-tulyeṣuto persons who are equals
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 3.29

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

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.29

    In this verse: “compassionate”, “compassion”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 3.29

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “understanding”

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 friendships help me and others advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness?

Practice

Discuss one teaching about Kṛṣṇa with a devotee of similar understanding today.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRespect, Compassion, and Friendship in DevotionThis 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 3.29.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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