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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 22: Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Meeting with the Four Kumāras
4.22.334.22.35

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 4.22.34

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Sanat-kumārasince 4.22.20inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → Vidura

न कुर्यात्कर्हिचित्सङ्गं तमस्तीव्रं तितीरिषु: ।

धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां यदत्यन्तविघातकम् ॥ ३४ ॥

na kuryāt karhicit saṅgaṁ

tamas tīvraṁ titīriṣuḥ

dharmārtha-kāma-mokṣāṇāṁ

yad atyanta-vighātakam

Translation

Those who strongly desire to cross the ocean of nescience must not associate with the modes of ignorance, for hedonistic activities are the greatest obstructions to realization of religious principles, economic development, regulated sense gratification and, at last, liberation.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Regulate Life for Spiritual Progress

  1. 1

    Religion, economic development, regulated sense gratification and liberation provide a framework for human life. Material needs remain while we have a body, but they should not become our only concern.

  2. 2

    Earning money and enjoying the senses at the expense of religious principles obstruct spiritual advancement. Those who wish to cross beyond ignorance should avoid activities that deepen it.

  3. 3

    A regulated life under the direction of śāstras and guru allows material needs to be met while moving toward liberation. Our activities should support, not obstruct, freedom from material attachment.

Key points from the purport
  • The four principles of life allow one to live according to religious principles, to earn money according to one’s position in society, to allow the senses to enjoy the sense objects according to regulations, and to progress along the path of liberation from this material attachment.
  • It is not, however, recommended that one act only for sense gratification and earn money for that purpose only, sacrificing all religious principles.
  • The Vedic process of sense gratification is therefore planned in such a way that one can economically develop and enjoy sense gratification and yet ultimately attain liberation.

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 22: Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Meeting with the Four Kumāras

The four Kumāras instruct Pṛthu, who dedicates himself and the fruits of his activities to the Lord.

Back to this verse in chapter 4.22
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. nado not
  2. kuryātact
  3. karhicitat any time
  4. saṅgamassociation
  5. tamaḥignorance
  6. tīvramwith great speed
  7. titīriṣuḥpersons who desire to cross over nescience
  8. dharmareligion
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 4.22

    In this verse: “religious”, “principles”, “religion”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 4.22

    In this verse: “sense gratification”, “attachment”, “material”

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

Does one of my daily habits support spiritual progress or obstruct it?

Practice

Review one spending or enjoyment habit today and set a small limit that protects your spiritual progress.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayRegulate Life for Spiritual ProgressThis 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.

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