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

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Canto 7 · The Science of God · 15 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 7 · Chapter 11: The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes
7.11.17.11.3

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.11.2

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhirasince 7.11.2inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

श्रीयुधिष्ठिर उवाच

भगवन् श्रोतुमिच्छामि नृणां धर्मं सनातनम् ।

वर्णाश्रमाचारयुतं यत्पुमान्विन्दते परम् ॥ २ ॥

śrī-yudhiṣṭhira uvāca

bhagavan śrotum icchāmi

nṛṇāṁ dharmaṁ sanātanam

varṇāśramācāra-yutaṁ

yat pumān vindate param

Translation

Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira said: My dear lord, I wish to hear from you about the principles of religion by which one can attain the ultimate goal of life — devotional service. I wish to hear about the general occupational duties of human society and the system of social and spiritual advancement known as varṇāśrama-dharma.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Our Eternal Duty Is Devotional Service

  1. 1

    Sanātana-dharma means devotional service. It is the eternal occupational duty that continues in all circumstances.

  2. 2

    Every living entity is always serving someone, even when the body or outward religion changes. Our real duty is to serve Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, rather than the illusory material energy.

  3. 3

    This eternal duty can be organized through varṇāśrama, with its four social divisions and four stages of spiritual life. Its ultimate goal is devotional service.

Key points from the purport
  • We have several times explained what the eternal occupational duty of the living being is.
  • Therefore, the mentality of service is called the eternal occupational duty.
  • Thus, Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja inquired from Nārada Muni about the principles of sanātana-dharma for the benefit of human society.

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

Seriousness → Principled living. The example of bhakti becomes a guide to daily life.

Chapters 11–15 of Canto 7: Teachings on social and spiritual conduct. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Further reading

Chapter 11: The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

This chapter describes the general principles by following which a human being, and specifically one who is interested in advancing in spiritual life, can become perfect. By hearing about the characteristics of Prahlāda Mahārāja, Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira became extremely pleased.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. śrī-yudhiṣṭhiraḥ uvācaMahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira inquired
  2. bhagavanO my lord
  3. śrotumto hear
  4. icchāmiI wish
  5. nṛṇāmof human society
  6. dharmamthe occupational duties
  7. sanātanamcommon and eternal (for everyone)
  8. varṇa-āśrama-ācāra-yutambased on the principles of the four divisions of society and the four divisions of spiritual advancement
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Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Manvantara · The change of Manus

    What gives human life its right direction? · Subject 6 of 10

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 7.11

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

  • Bhakti · Devotion and loving service

    How devotion reorganizes desire and action. · Theme in SB 7.11

    In this verse: “devotional service”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 7.11

    In this verse: “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

Is my service directed toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead or merely toward material interests?

Practice

Choose one task today and consciously undertake it as service to Kṛṣṇa.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayOur Eternal Duty Is Devotional ServiceThis 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 7.11.2? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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