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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
3.5.63.5.8

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.5.7

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Vidurasince 3.5.2inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

क्रीडन् विधत्ते द्विजगोसुराणां

क्षेमाय कर्माण्यवतारभेदै: ।

मनो न तृप्यत्यपि श‍ृण्वतां न:

सुश्लोकमौलेश्चरितामृतानि ॥ ७ ॥

krīḍan vidhatte dvija-go-surāṇāṁ

kṣemāya karmāṇy avatāra-bhedaiḥ

mano na tṛpyaty api śṛṇvatāṁ naḥ

suśloka-mauleś caritāmṛtāni

Translation

You may narrate also about the auspicious characteristics of the Lord in His different incarnations for the welfare of the twice-born, the cows and the demigods. Our minds are never satisfied completely, although we continuously hear of His transcendental activities.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord's Pastimes Remain Ever Fresh

  1. 1

    The Lord appears in different incarnations for the welfare of the twice-born, the cows and the demigods. His protective activities support the opportunity for self-realization.

  2. 2

    Contact with a bona fide spiritual master gives a human being a second birth and guidance toward spiritual salvation. Civilized human life also includes protecting cows and bulls, which help maintain society.

  3. 3

    Unlike ordinary literature, accounts of the Lord's transcendental pastimes remain ever fresh. Although Vidura had heard them many times, he wanted to hear them again.

Key points from the purport
  • The Lord appears in this universe in different incarnations like Matsya, Kūrma, Varāha and Nṛsiṁha, and He manifests His different transcendental activities for the welfare of the twice-born, the cows and the demigods.
  • The Lord is directly concerned with the twice-born or civilized men.
  • The Lord’s pastimes for the protection of the twice-born civilized men, the cows and the demigods are all transcendental.

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. krīḍanmanifesting pastimes
  2. vidhatteHe performs
  3. dvijatwice-born
  4. gocows
  5. surāṇāmof the demigods
  6. kṣemāyawelfare
  7. karmāṇitranscendental activities
  8. avatāraincarnations
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Key ideas in this verse

The subject this verse serves and the themes it speaks of.

  • Īśānukathā · The science of God

    Who is the Lord, and how do His devotees live? · Subject 7 of 10

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “welfare”

  • Kīrtana · Hearing and chanting

    Remembering the Lord through sacred sound. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “heard”

  • Rakṣā · Divine protection

    Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 3.5

    In this verse: “protective”

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What helps me hear familiar accounts of the Lord with renewed attention?

Practice

Reread a passage about the Lord from Bhagavad-gītā or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, giving it your full attention.

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord's Pastimes Remain Ever FreshThis 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 3.5.7? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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