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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
7.11.317.11.33-34

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.11.32

Mukti· Liberation
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

वृत्त्या स्वभावकृतया वर्तमान: स्वकर्मकृत् ।

हित्वा स्वभावजं कर्म शनैर्निर्गुणतामियात् ॥ ३२ ॥

vṛttyā sva-bhāva-kṛtayā

vartamānaḥ sva-karma-kṛt

hitvā sva-bhāva-jaṁ karma

śanair nirguṇatām iyāt

Translation

If one acts in his profession according to his position in the modes of nature and gradually gives up these activities, he attains the niṣkāma stage.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Gradually Become Free From Material Desires

  1. 1

    One begins by working according to one's position in the modes of material nature. The verse describes gradual progress rather than an abrupt change.

  2. 2

    The purport explains that one should gradually give up hereditary customs and duties while trying to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead in one's natural position.

  3. 3

    Through this service, one gradually becomes free from these material activities. This is the stage of niṣkāma, freedom from material desires.

Key points from the purport
  • If one gradually gives up his hereditary customs and duties and tries to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead in his natural position, he is gradually able to become free from these activities, and he attains the stage of niṣkāma, freedom from material desires.

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:

One cannot suddenly give up a profession to which he is accustomed, and therefore it is recommended that one gradually be awakened. The symptoms of brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras are very important, and therefore one should be designated only by these symptoms, and not by birth.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.11
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. vṛttyāwith the profession
  2. sva-bhāva-kṛtayāperformed according to one’s modes of material nature
  3. vartamānaḥexisting
  4. sva-karma-kṛtexecuting his own work
  5. hitvāgiving up
  6. sva-bhāva-jamborn from one’s own modes of nature
  7. karmaactivities
  8. śanaiḥgradually
  9. nirguṇatāmtranscendental position
  10. iyātmay attain
3

Key ideas in this verse

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

  • Mukti · Liberation

    What is real freedom for the soul? · Subject 9 of 10

  • Vairāgya · Freedom from attachment

    Release from possessiveness and false identities. · Theme in SB 7.11

    In this verse: “give up”, “free from”

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

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

    In this verse: “duties”

  • 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

How can I give more attention to serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead rather than satisfying material desires?

Practice

Set aside a few minutes today for service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead without seeking a material reward.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayGradually Become Free From Material DesiresThis 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 7.11.32? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
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