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Canto 6 · Prescribed Duties for Mankind · 19 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.
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Canto 6 · Chapter 7: Indra Offends His Spiritual Master, Bṛhaspati.
6.7.166.7.18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 6.7.17

Ūti· What drives us to act
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:King Indrasince 6.7.15inside 2 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King Parīkṣit

गुरोर्नाधिगत: संज्ञां परीक्षन् भगवान् स्वराट् ।

ध्यायन् धिया सुरैर्युक्त: शर्म नालभतात्मन: ॥ १७ ॥

guror nādhigataḥ saṁjñāṁ

parīkṣan bhagavān svarāṭ

dhyāyan dhiyā surair yuktaḥ

śarma nālabhatātmanaḥ

Translation

Although Indra searched vigorously with the assistance of the other demigods, he could not find Bṛhaspati. Then Indra thought, “Alas, my spiritual master has become dissatisfied with me, and now I have no means of achieving good fortune.” Although Indra was surrounded by demigods, he could not find peace of mind.

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.

Without His Guru, Indra Finds No Peace

  1. 1

    Indra searched vigorously for Bṛhaspati with the help of the other demigods, but could not find him.

  2. 2

    Indra lamented that his spiritual master was dissatisfied with him. He felt he had no means of achieving good fortune.

  3. 3

    Even surrounded by the demigods, Indra could not find peace of mind.

How it feels

Offense and dread → Moral reckoning. Heroic power does not guarantee inner freedom.

Chapters 7–10 of Canto 6: Indra, Bṛhaspati and the emergence of Vṛtrāsura. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 7: Indra Offends His Spiritual Master, Bṛhaspati.

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

He left the palace to beg pardon from his spiritual master, but could not find Bṛhaspati anywhere. Because of his disrespectful behavior toward his spiritual master.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 6.7
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. guroḥof his spiritual master
  2. nanot
  3. adhigataḥfinding
  4. saṁjñāmtrace
  5. parīkṣansearching vigorously all around
  6. bhagavānthe most powerful Indra
  7. svarāṭindependent
  8. dhyāyanmeditating
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Ūti · The creative impetus

    Why do we act, and what keeps us bound? · Subject 5 of 10

  • Viraha · Longing in separation

    Love and remembrance experienced in apparent absence. · Theme in SB 6.7

    In this verse: “lamented”

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

What does Indra’s distress teach me about valuing my spiritual master’s satisfaction?

Practice

Take a quiet minute today to reflect on the value of your spiritual master’s guidance.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayWithout His Guru, Indra Finds No PeaceThis 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 6.7.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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