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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
3.5.473.5.49

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.5.48

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:The demigodssince 3.5.39inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

तत्ते वयं लोकसिसृक्षयाद्य

त्वयानुसृष्टास्त्रिभिरात्मभि: स्म ।

सर्वे वियुक्ता: स्वविहारतन्त्रं

न शक्नुमस्तत्प्रतिहर्तवे ते ॥ ४८ ॥

tat te vayaṁ loka-sisṛkṣayādya

tvayānusṛṣṭās tribhir ātmabhiḥ sma

sarve viyuktāḥ sva-vihāra-tantraṁ

na śaknumas tat pratihartave te

Translation

O Original Person, we are therefore but Yours only. Although we are Your creatures, we are born one after another under the influence of the three modes of nature, and for this reason we are separated in action. Therefore, after the creation we could not act concertedly for Your transcendental pleasure.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Act for the Lord to Find Harmony

  1. 1

    The cosmic creation works under the three modes of the Lord’s external potency. Different creatures are also influenced by these modes.

  2. 2

    Under this diverse influence, creatures act separately and cannot act together for the Lord’s satisfaction. Such divided activity prevents harmony in the material world.

  3. 3

    The best policy is to act for the sake of the Lord. Making His pleasure the shared purpose brings the desired harmony.

Key points from the purport
  • The cosmic creation is working under the influence of the three modes of the external potency of the Lord.
  • Different creatures are also under the same influence, and therefore they cannot act concertedly in satisfying the Lord.
  • The best policy, therefore, is to act for the sake 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. tattherefore
  2. teYour
  3. vayamall of us
  4. lokaworld
  5. sisṛkṣayāfor the sake of creation
  6. ādyaO Original person
  7. tvayāby You
  8. anusṛṣṭāḥbeing created one after another
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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

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “separated”

  • 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

Where could I replace a separate personal aim with the desire to please the Lord?

Practice

Before one shared task today, pause and make the Lord’s satisfaction your purpose rather than your own pleasure.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayAct for the Lord to Find HarmonyThis 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 3.5.48? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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