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 7 · The Science of God · 15 chapters

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 ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.1.3

Who is speaking and story frame

इति न: सुमहाभाग नारायणगुणान् प्रति ।

संशय: सुमहाञ्जातस्तद्भ‍वांश्छेत्तुमर्हति ॥ ३ ॥

iti naḥ sumahā-bhāga

nārāyaṇa-guṇān prati

saṁśayaḥ sumahāñ jātas

tad bhavāṁś chettum arhati

Translation

O greatly fortunate and learned brāhmaṇa, whether Nārāyaṇa is partial or impartial has become a subject of great doubt. Kindly dispel my doubt with positive evidence that Nārāyaṇa is always neutral and equal to everyone.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

The Lord’s Invitation Is for Everyone

  1. 1

    The inquiry asks for positive evidence that Nārāyaṇa is always neutral and equal to everyone. Doubt is brought forward for clarification.

  2. 2

    Because Lord Nārāyaṇa is absolute, His punishments and His offerings of favor have the same value. His apparently inimical actions are not material enmity.

  3. 3

    Kṛṣṇa’s instruction to surrender to Him is not meant only for Arjuna. It is addressed to every living entity within this universe.

Key points from the purport
  • Since Lord Nārāyaṇa is absolute, His transcendental qualities are described as one.
  • Thus His punishments and His offerings of favor are both of the same value.
  • When Kṛṣṇa finally instructs in Bhagavad-gītā, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja, this is meant not only for Arjuna but for every living entity within this universe.

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

Pride and rage → Oppression. The ruler's power intensifies his insecurity.

Chapters 1–4 of Canto 7: Hiraṇyakaśipu's ascent and intimidation. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 1: The Supreme Lord Is Equal to Everyone

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

In this chapter, in response to a question by Mahārāja Parīkṣit, Śukadeva Gosvāmī gives his conclusions concerning how the Supreme Personality of Godhead, although the Supersoul, friend and protector of everyone, killed the Daityas, the demons, for the sake of Indra, the King of heaven. In his statements, he totally refutes the arguments of people in general who accuse the Supreme Lord of partiality.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.1
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. itithus
  2. naḥour
  3. su-mahā-bhāgaO glorious one
  4. nārāyaṇa-guṇānthe qualities of Nārāyaṇa
  5. pratitoward
  6. saṁśayaḥdoubt
  7. su-mahānvery great
  8. jātaḥborn
3

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

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 7.1

    In this verse: “kindly”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 7.1

    In this verse: “material”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 7.1

    In this verse: “favor”

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 receive Kṛṣṇa’s invitation to surrender as an invitation meant for me too?

Practice

Pause today and offer a short prayer expressing your willingness to surrender to Kṛṣṇa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayThe Lord’s Invitation Is for EveryoneThis 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 7.1.3? Get an answer from the verses themselves.