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

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Canto 4 · The Creation of the Fourth Order · 31 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 4 · Chapter 18: Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth Planet
4.18.194.18.21

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.18.20

Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devotees
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Maitreya Ṛṣisince 4.18.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

अन्ये च मायिनो मायामन्तर्धानाद्भुतात्मनाम् ।

मयं प्रकल्प्य वत्सं ते दुदुहुर्धारणामयीम् ॥ २० ॥

anye ca māyino māyām

antardhānādbhutātmanām

mayaṁ prakalpya vatsaṁ te

duduhur dhāraṇāmayīm

Translation

Others also, the inhabitants of planets known as Kimpuruṣa-loka, made the demon Maya into a calf, and they milked out mystic powers by which one can disappear immediately from another’s vision and appear again in a different form.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Mystic Displays Do Not Establish Spiritual Goodness

  1. 1

    The inhabitants of Kimpuruṣa-loka made Maya into a calf and obtained powers to disappear and reappear in another form.

  2. 2

    The purport calls this possession of mystic power īśitā. Such powers are natural in Kimpuruṣa-loka but can also be attained on this planet through yogic practices.

  3. 3

    Demons also possess wonderful mystic powers. Lord Kṛṣṇa fought demons who appeared before Him in extraordinary forms, showing that impressive powers can belong to His opponents.

Key points from the purport
  • It is said that the inhabitants of Kimpuruṣa-loka can perform many wonderful mystic demonstrations.
  • While present on this planet, Lord Kṛṣṇa had to fight with many demons who could exhibit the wonderful mystic powers of Kimpuruṣa-loka.
  • Although the inhabitants of Kimpuruṣa-loka are naturally endowed with such powers, one can attain these powers on this planet by performing different yogic practices.

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

Anger and disorder → Duty and devotion. Kingship shifts from domination to stewardship and renunciation.

Chapters 13–23 of Canto 4: Vena and Pṛthu: power, the Earth and stewardship. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 18: Pṛthu Mahārāja Milks the Earth Planet

Pṛthu and others milk the earth; he provides citizens with food, employment, and places to live.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.18
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. anyeothers
  2. caalso
  3. māyinaḥmystic magicians
  4. māyāmmystic powers
  5. antardhānadisappearing
  6. adbhutawonderful
  7. ātmanāmof the body
  8. mayamthe demon named Maya
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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

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 4.18

    In this verse: “maya”

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

Do I mistake extraordinary abilities for spiritual goodness?

Practice

Write a reminder today: “Wonderful powers alone do not establish spiritual goodness.”

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The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayMystic Displays Do Not Establish Spiritual GoodnessThis 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 4.18.20? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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