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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 32: Entanglement in Fruitive Activities
3.32.383.32.40

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.32.39

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Lord Kapilasince 3.32.39inside 4 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraLord Kapila → Devahūti

नैतत्खलायोपदिशेन्नाविनीताय कर्हिचित् ।

न स्तब्धाय न भिन्नाय नैव धर्मध्वजाय च ॥ ३९ ॥

naitat khalāyopadiśen

nāvinītāya karhicit

na stabdhāya na bhinnāya

naiva dharma-dhvajāya ca

Translation

Lord Kapila continued: This instruction is not meant for the envious, for the agnostics or for persons who are unclean in their behavior. Nor is it for hypocrites or for persons who are proud of material possessions.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Recognize Obstacles to Receiving Instruction

  1. 1

    Lord Kapila says this instruction is not meant for the envious or the agnostics.

  2. 2

    He also excludes those whose behavior is unclean and those who are hypocritical.

  3. 3

    Pride in material possessions is another reason a person should not receive this instruction.

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 32: Entanglement in Fruitive Activities

Kapila contrasts temporary material rewards with the knowledge and detachment gained through devotional service to Kṛṣṇa.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.32
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nanot
  2. etatthis instruction
  3. khalāyato the envious
  4. upadiśetone should teach
  5. nanot
  6. avinītāyato the agnostic
  7. karhicitever
  8. nanot
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

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 3.32

    In this verse: “proud”, “pride”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.32

    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

Do envy, hypocrisy or pride in possessions affect how I receive spiritual instruction?

Practice

Examine one moment of pride in your possessions today, and honestly acknowledge it rather than defending it.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRecognize Obstacles to Receiving InstructionThis 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 3.32.39? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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