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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
3.5.313.5.33

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.5.32

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

तामसो भूतसूक्ष्मादिर्यत: खं लिङ्गमात्मन: ॥ ३२ ॥

tāmaso bhūta-sūkṣmādir

yataḥ khaṁ liṅgam ātmanaḥ

Translation

The sky is a product of sound, and sound is the transformation of egoistic ignorance. In other words, the sky is the symbolic representation of the Supreme Soul.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Sky Symbolizes the Supreme Soul

  1. 1

    Sound is a transformation of egoistic ignorance, and the sky is a product of sound.

  2. 2

    The sky is described as a symbolic representation of the Supreme Soul.

  3. 3

    Those who are egoistic in passion and ignorance cannot conceive of the Personality of Godhead. For them, the sky serves as this symbolic representation.

Key points from the purport
  • In the Vedic hymns it is said, etasmād ātmanaḥ ākāśaḥ sambhūtaḥ.
  • Those who are egoistic in passion and ignorance cannot conceive of the Personality of Godhead.
  • For them the sky is the symbolic representation of the Supreme Soul.

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. tāmasaḥfrom the mode of ignorance
  2. bhūta-sūkṣma-ādiḥsubtle sense objects
  3. yataḥfrom which
  4. khamthe sky
  5. liṅgamsymbolic representation
  6. ātmanaḥof the Supreme Soul
3

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

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What distinction does this verse make between the sky and the Supreme Soul it represents?

Practice

Look at the sky briefly and recall that this verse describes it as a symbolic representation of the Supreme Soul.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todaySky Symbolizes the Supreme SoulThis 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 3.5.32? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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