1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Read one verse of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with its Sanskrit, word meanings, translation and study points.

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 3 · The Status Quo · 33 chapters

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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 7: Further Inquires by Vidura
3.7.223.7.24

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 3.7.23

Sarga· Creation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Vidurasince 3.7.15inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

यस्मिन् दशविध: प्राण: सेन्द्रियार्थेन्द्रियस्त्रिवृत् ।

त्वयेरितो यतो वर्णास्तद्विभूतीर्वदस्व न: ॥ २३ ॥

yasmin daśa-vidhaḥ prāṇaḥ

sendriyārthendriyas tri-vṛt

tvayerito yato varṇās

tad-vibhūtīr vadasva naḥ

Translation

O great brāhmaṇa, you have told me that the gigantic virāṭ form and His senses, sense objects and ten kinds of life air exist with three kinds of life vigor. Now, if you will, kindly explain to me the different powers of the specific divisions.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Inquire Into the Universal Form’s Powers

  1. 1

    The gigantic virāṭ form includes senses and sense objects.

  2. 2

    Ten kinds of life air exist within this form, along with three kinds of life vigor.

  3. 3

    The speaker respectfully asks for an explanation of the different powers of the specific divisions. His request builds on what has already been explained.

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 7: Further Inquires by Vidura

Vidura asks about illusion, the soul, creation, religious duties, and the relationship between teacher and disciple.

Back to this verse in chapter 3.7
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yasminin which
  2. daśa-vidhaḥten kinds of
  3. prāṇaḥair of life
  4. sawith
  5. indriyasenses
  6. arthainterest
  7. indriyaḥof the senses
  8. tri-vṛtthree kinds of life vigor
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

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 3.7

    In this verse: “kindly”

Chapter themes come from the story phase this chapter belongs to.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

When an explanation leaves me with questions, do I ask respectfully for greater clarity?

Practice

Write one respectful question about a detail in this translation that you do not yet understand.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayInquire Into the Universal Form’s PowersThis 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 3.7.23? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories