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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 5: Vidura’s Talks with Maitreya
3.5.273.5.29

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.5.28

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 3.5.18inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

सोऽप्यंशगुणकालात्मा भगवद्‍दृष्टिगोचर: ।

आत्मानं व्यकरोदात्मा विश्वस्यास्य सिसृक्षया ॥ २८ ॥

so ’py aṁśa-guṇa-kālātmā

bhagavad-dṛṣṭi-gocaraḥ

ātmānaṁ vyakarod ātmā

viśvasyāsya sisṛkṣayā

Translation

Thereafter the mahat-tattva differentiated itself into many different forms as the reservoir of the would-be entities. The mahat-tattva is chiefly in the mode of ignorance, and it generates the false ego. It is a plenary expansion of the Personality of Godhead, with full consciousness of creative principles and time for fructification.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Freedom from False Ego

  1. 1

    The mahat-tattva is the junction of matter and spirit. From it the living entity’s false ego is generated.

  2. 2

    Living entities are parts and parcels of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Under false ego, they claim to be enjoyers of material nature, and this binds them to material existence.

  3. 3

    The Lord repeatedly provides creation as a chance for conditioned souls to become free from false ego. He gives facilities for correction without interfering with their small independence.

Key points from the purport
  • All living entities are differentiated parts and parcels of the Personality of Godhead.
  • Under the pressure of false ego, the conditioned souls, although parts and parcels of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, claim to be the enjoyers of material nature.
  • He gives the conditioned souls all facilities for rectifying the activities of the false ego, but He does not interfere with their small independence as parts and parcels of the Lord.

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

Mystery → Cosmic wonder. The origin of the world is revealed through inquiry and divine grace.

Chapters 5–12 of Canto 3: Creation and Brahmā's bewilderment. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 5: Vidura’s Talks with Maitreya

Vidura meets Maitreya, who begins explaining the Lord’s activities and the unfolding of material creation.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.5
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. saḥmahat-tattva
  2. apialso
  3. aṁśapuruṣa plenary expansion
  4. guṇachiefly the quality of ignorance
  5. kālathe duration of time
  6. ātmāfull consciousness
  7. bhagavatthe Personality of Godhead
  8. dṛṣṭi-gocaraḥrange of sight
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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

  • Dainya · Humility

    Ego yields to insight, service and surrender. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “false ego”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “principles”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “material”

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

How could I use my small independence to correct a self-centered choice?

Practice

Pause before one choice today and remember that you are a part and parcel of the Lord, not an independent enjoyer.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayFreedom from False EgoThis 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 3.5.28? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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