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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.
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Canto 3 · Chapter 29: Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
3.29.203.29.22

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.29.21

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

अहं सर्वेषु भूतेषु भूतात्मावस्थित: सदा ।

तमवज्ञाय मां मर्त्य: कुरुतेऽर्चाविडम्बनम् ॥ २१ ॥

ahaṁ sarveṣu bhūteṣu

bhūtātmāvasthitaḥ sadā

tam avajñāya māṁ martyaḥ

kurute ’rcā-viḍambanam

Translation

I am present in every living entity as the Supersoul. If someone neglects or disregards that Supersoul everywhere and engages himself in the worship of the Deity in the temple, that is simply imitation.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Worship Must Include Respect for Living Beings

  1. 1

    The Lord is present in every living entity as the Supersoul. Worshiping the Deity while disregarding His presence in others is simply imitation.

  2. 2

    A person who worships in the temple but does not respect others remains on the material platform, in the lowest stage of devotional service. Purified Kṛṣṇa consciousness sees Kṛṣṇa’s presence everywhere.

  3. 3

    A devotee tries to understand everything in relationship with Kṛṣṇa and engage everything in His service. An advanced devotee helps an innocent person who does not know this relationship take part in devotional service.

Key points from the purport
  • Therefore if one only engages in Deity worship in the temple and does not consider other living entities, then he is in the lowest grade of devotional service.
  • If a person is innocent and does not know his relationship with Kṛṣṇa, an advanced devotee should try to engage him in the service of Kṛṣṇa.
  • One who is advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness can engage not only the living being but everything in the service of Kṛṣṇa.

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. ahamI
  2. sarveṣuin all
  3. bhūteṣuliving entities
  4. bhūta-ātmāthe Supersoul in all beings
  5. avasthitaḥsituated
  6. sadāalways
  7. tamthat Supersoul
  8. avajñāyadisregarding
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: “worship”, “devotional service”, “devotee”

  • Śuddhi · Inner transformation

    The reorientation of the heart toward service. · Theme in SB 3.29

    In this verse: “purified”

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

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

    In this verse: “understand”

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

Does my treatment of others reflect the respect I offer the Lord in worship?

Practice

Invite someone interested in learning to join you in one simple act of service to Kṛṣṇa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayWorship Must Include Respect for Living BeingsThis 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 3.29.21? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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