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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
3.5.303.5.32

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.5.31

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

तैजसानीन्द्रियाण्येव ज्ञानकर्ममयानि च ॥ ३१ ॥

taijasānīndriyāṇy eva

jñāna-karma-mayāni ca

Translation

The senses are certainly products of the mode of passion in false ego, and therefore philosophical speculative knowledge and fruitive activities are predominantly products of the mode of passion.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Hear About the Lord with Love

  1. 1

    The senses arise from passion in false ego. Forgetting our position as subordinate parts of the Supreme Personality of Godhead leads us to seek happiness independently.

  2. 2

    A person may first pursue personal gain and sense gratification, then turn to speculation after frustration. Thinking oneself equal to or one with the Lord is the last snare of the illusory energy.

  3. 3

    The Absolute Truth is not realized through imperfect, egoistic speculation. He is realized by hearing about Him with submission and love from a bona fide authority.

Key points from the purport
  • The chief function of the false ego is godlessness.
  • The best means of liberation from the clutches of false ego is to give up the habit of philosophical speculation regarding the Absolute Truth.
  • One should know definitely that the Absolute Truth is never realized by the philosophical speculations of the imperfect egoistic person.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Connected verses· 1

The purport of SB 3.5.31 quotesBG 7.14

By such an attempt only can one conquer the illusory energy of the Lord, although for others she is unsurpassable, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (7.14).

Each link is a verse the purport itself quotes, or a purport elsewhere that quotes this verse, shown with the purport's own words.

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. taijasānithe mode of passion
  2. indriyāṇithe senses
  3. evacertainly
  4. jñānaknowledge, philosophical speculations
  5. karmafruitive activities
  6. mayānipredominating
  7. caalso
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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

  • Jñāna · Spiritual insight

    Inquiry, revelation and discrimination between self and matter. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “knowledge”, “philosophical”, “absolute truth”

  • Dainya · Humility

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

    In this verse: “false ego”

  • Moha · Material attachment

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

    In this verse: “sense gratification”

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

Am I approaching knowledge of the Lord with submission, or trying to establish my own conclusions?

Practice

Spend five minutes reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s explanation of the Lord, making a conscious effort to hear with submission and love.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayHear About the Lord with LoveThis 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 3.5.31? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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