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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 32: Entanglement in Fruitive Activities
3.32.393.32.41

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.32.40

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

न लोलुपायोपदिशेन्न गृहारूढचेतसे ।

नाभक्ताय च मे जातु न मद्भक्तद्विषामपि ॥ ४० ॥

na lolupāyopadiśen

na gṛhārūḍha-cetase

nābhaktāya ca me jātu

na mad-bhakta-dviṣām api

Translation

It is not to be instructed to persons who are too greedy and too attached to family life, nor to persons who are nondevotees and who are envious of the devotees and of the Personality of Godhead.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Approach Devotion Without Ulterior Motives

  1. 1

    Excessive greed, attachment to family life and envy of the Lord or His devotees prevent understanding of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Those who plan harm to others cannot enter transcendental loving service.

  2. 2

    Artificial submission to a spiritual master and the pursuit of name, fame or material gain do not lead to understanding devotional service. Religious practice should not be merely a social decoration.

  3. 3

    Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not a sectarian religious faith but a teaching process for understanding the Supreme Lord and our relationship with Him. One must approach without prejudice and with interest in His service.

Key points from the purport
  • Actually, Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not a sectarian religious faith; it is a teaching process for understanding the Supreme Lord and our relationship with Him.
  • Therefore it is better not to instruct the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to such persons.
  • Such persons also cannot understand the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

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 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
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nanot
  2. lolupāyato the greedy
  3. upadiśetone should instruct
  4. nanot
  5. gṛha-ārūḍha-cetaseto one who is too attached to family life
  6. nanot
  7. abhaktāyato the nondevotee
  8. caand
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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

  • Moha · Material attachment

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

    In this verse: “attached”, “attachment”, “material”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 3.32

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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 3.32

    In this verse: “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

Am I approaching devotional service to serve the Lord, or to gain recognition or some other advantage?

Practice

Before a devotional activity today, check your motive and consciously set aside the wish for praise or material gain.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayApproach Devotion Without Ulterior MotivesThis 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 3.32.40? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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