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

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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.
Read the full guide: how to hear the Bhāgavatam ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 6.9.55

Who is speaking and story frame

तस्मिन् विनिहते यूयं तेजोऽस्त्रायुधसम्पद: ।

भूय: प्राप्स्यथ भद्रं वो न हिंसन्ति च मत्परान् ॥ ५५ ॥

tasmin vinihate yūyaṁ

tejo-’strāyudha-sampadaḥ

bhūyaḥ prāpsyatha bhadraṁ vo

na hiṁsanti ca mat-parān

Translation

When Vṛtrāsura is killed because of My spiritual strength, you will regain your strength, weapons and wealth. Thus there will be all good fortune for all of you. Although Vṛtrāsura can destroy all the three worlds, do not fear that he will harm you. He is also a devotee and will never be envious of you.

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

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Devotional Service Is Never Hindered

  1. 1

    A devotee of the Lord is never envious of anyone, especially other devotees. Although Vṛtrāsura could destroy the three worlds, he would seek to benefit the demigods.

  2. 2

    The body and all material possessions will be destroyed in time, so a devotee uses them for a better cause. Because Lord Viṣṇu wanted to save the demigods, Vṛtrāsura would agree to be killed by them.

  3. 3

    A devotee engages in devotional service both in this life and in the spiritual world after leaving the body. Living or dying does not hinder that service.

Key points from the purport
  • A devotee of the Lord is never envious of anyone, what to speak of other devotees.
  • Therefore if the body and other possessions can be utilized for a better cause, a devotee never hesitates to give up even his own body.
  • Because Lord Viṣṇu wanted to save the demigods, Vṛtrāsura, even though able to swallow the three worlds, would agree to be killed by the demigods.

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

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 9: Appearance of the Demon Vṛtrāsura

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Being pleased with the demigods, the Supreme Personality of Godhead advised them to approach Dadhīci to beg him for the bones of his own body. Dadhīci would comply with the request of the demigods, and with the help of his bones Vṛtrāsura could be killed.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 6.9
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Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. tasminwhen he (Vṛtrāsura)
  2. vinihateis killed
  3. yūyamall of you
  4. tejaḥpower
  5. astraarrows
  6. āyudhaother weapons
  7. sampadaḥand opulence
  8. bhūyaḥagain
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Poṣaṇa · Protection by the Lord

    How does the Lord care for His devotees? · Subject 4 of 10

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 6.9

    In this verse: “wealth”, “material”

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 6.9

    In this verse: “devotee”, “devotional service”

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 6.9

    In this verse: “fear”, “dying”

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

How can I replace envy with a sincere wish to benefit someone?

Practice

Use a little of your time or possessions today to help someone, offering that act as service to the Lord.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayDevotional Service Is Never HinderedThis 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 6.9.55? Get an answer from the verses themselves.