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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
7.11.297.11.31

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.11.30

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.11.5inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

वृत्ति: सङ्करजातीनां तत्तत्कुलकृता भवेत् ।

अचौराणामपापानामन्त्यजान्तेवसायिनाम् ॥ ३० ॥

vṛttiḥ saṅkara-jātīnāṁ

tat-tat-kula-kṛtā bhavet

acaurāṇām apāpānām

antyajāntevasāyinām

Translation

Among the mixed classes known as saṅkara, those who are not thieves are known as antevasāyī or caṇḍālas [dog-eaters], and they also have their hereditary customs.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Traditional Duties Among the Mixed Classes

  1. 1

    After describing the four principal social divisions, the purport describes the mixed classes, called antyaja. These communities also have hereditary customs and occupational duties.

  2. 2

    The purport distinguishes pratilomaja and anulomaja according to the social classes of the parents. Traditional occupations within these communities include work as barbers and washermen.

  3. 3

    Among the antyajas, those who do not steal and are not addicted to meat-eating, drinking, illicit sex or gambling are called antevasāyī. The purport describes them as still somewhat pure.

Key points from the purport
  • The four principal divisions of society — brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra — have been defined, and now there is a description of the antyaja, the mixed classes.
  • Among the mixed classes, there are two divisions — pratilomaja and anulomaja.
  • Among people of the lower classes, intermarriage and the drinking of wine are allowed, for these people do not recognize such conduct as sinful among themselves.

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:

In this way, Nārada Muni described the characteristics of higher and lower grades of people and recommended that one follow the principles of his caste or his hereditary occupation. One cannot suddenly give up a profession to which he is accustomed, and therefore it is recommended that one gradually be awakened.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. vṛttiḥoccupational duty
  2. saṅkara-jātīnāmof the mixed classes of men (those other than the four divisions)
  3. tat-tataccording to their respective
  4. kula-kṛtāfamily tradition
  5. bhavetshould be
  6. acaurāṇāmnot thieves by profession
  7. apāpānāmnot sinful
  8. antyajalower classes
  9. antevasāyināmknown as antevasāyī or caṇḍāla.
3

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: “duties”

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 place does honest conduct have in my everyday work?

Practice

Take care today not to use or take something that belongs to another person without permission.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayTraditional Duties Among the Mixed ClassesThis 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 7.11.30? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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