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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 14: Ideal Family Life
7.14.57.14.7

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.14.6

Manvantara· The Manus and right duty
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.14.2inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

ज्ञातय: पितरौ पुत्रा भ्रातर: सुहृदोऽपरे ।

यद्वदन्ति यदिच्छन्ति चानुमोदेत निर्मम: ॥ ६ ॥

jñātayaḥ pitarau putrā

bhrātaraḥ suhṛdo ’pare

yad vadanti yad icchanti

cānumodeta nirmamaḥ

Translation

An intelligent man in human society should make his own program of activities very simple. If there are suggestions from his friends, children, parents, brothers or anyone else, he should externally agree, saying, “Yes, that is all right,” but internally he should be determined not to create a cumbersome life in which the purpose of life will not be fulfilled.

Read this verse on Vedabase.io

This verse has no purport; its meaning is explained by the verses around it.

1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Keep Life Simple Despite Outside Suggestions

  1. 1

    An intelligent person should keep the program of daily activities very simple.

  2. 2

    Friends and relatives may suggest changes to one’s life. The verse advises outward agreement while remaining inwardly unattached.

  3. 3

    One should remain determined not to create a cumbersome life. Simplicity protects the opportunity to fulfill life’s purpose.

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 14: Ideal Family Life

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Although a gṛhastha should externally be very active in earning his livelihood, he should internally be situated as a fully self-realized person, without attachment for material gains. His dealings with family members or friends should be performed simply to fulfill their purpose; one should not be extravagantly engaged in this way.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.14
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. jñātayaḥrelatives, family members
  2. pitarauthe father and mother
  3. putrāḥchildren
  4. bhrātaraḥbrothers
  5. suhṛdaḥfriends
  6. apareand others
  7. yatwhatever
  8. vadantithey suggest (in regard to one’s means of livelihood)
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

  • Sakhya · Sacred friendship

    The affection of companions and friends of the Lord. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “friends”

  • Vātsalya · Parental affection

    Affection and protective concern for the Lord as a child. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “children”

  • Rakṣā · Divine protection

    Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 7.14

    In this verse: “protects”

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

Am I allowing others’ expectations to make my life too cumbersome to pursue its purpose?

Practice

Review one suggestion or commitment today and identify how to keep it from unnecessarily complicating your life.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayKeep Life Simple Despite Outside SuggestionsThis 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.

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