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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 15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings
7.15.147.15.16

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.15.15

Mukti· Liberation
Who is speaking and story frame
Speaking:Nārada Munisince 7.15.1inside 3 frames: Sūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitNārada Muni → Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira

धर्मार्थमपि नेहेत यात्रार्थं वाधनो धनम् ।

अनीहानीहमानस्य महाहेरिव वृत्तिदा ॥ १५ ॥

dharmārtham api neheta

yātrārthaṁ vādhano dhanam

anīhānīhamānasya

mahāher iva vṛttidā

Translation

Even if a man is poor, he should not endeavor to improve his economic condition just to maintain his body and soul together or to become a famous religionist. Just as a great python, although lying in one place, not endeavoring for its livelihood, gets the food it needs to maintain body and soul, one who is desireless also obtains his livelihood without endeavor.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

Three study points drawn from the translation and purport.

Depend on Kṛṣṇa and Advance Spiritually

  1. 1

    Human life is meant for developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, not for pursuing wealth or becoming a famous religionist. The purport urges one to direct one’s endeavor toward spiritual advancement.

  2. 2

    The python remains in one place yet receives its maintenance by the Lord’s grace. This illustrates dependence on Kṛṣṇa rather than anxious pursuit of livelihood.

  3. 3

    Both gṛhasthas and sannyāsīs are encouraged to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness with determination. The purport assures them that Kṛṣṇa will supply their necessities.

Key points from the purport
  • One need not even try to earn a livelihood to maintain body and soul together.
  • One should not desire to do anything else, even to earn his livelihood.
  • Even though one may be very poor, he should simply try to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and not endeavor to earn his livelihood.

Śrīla Prabhupāda's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Connected verses· 1

The purport of SB 7.15.15 quotesSB 1.5.18

As advised by Nārada Muni, tasyaiva hetoḥ prayateta kovidaḥ: one should simply endeavor to increase his Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Each link is a verse the purport itself quotes, or a purport elsewhere that quotes this verse, shown with the purport's own words.

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 15: Instructions for Civilized Human Beings

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

A general principle is that a poor man should not unnecessarily endeavor for economic development. One who refrains from such endeavors but who engages in devotional service is most auspicious.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. dharma-arthamin religion or economic development
  2. apiindeed
  3. nanot
  4. īhetashould try to obtain
  5. yātrā-arthamjust to maintain the body and soul together
  6. vāeither
  7. adhanaḥone who has no wealth
  8. dhanammoney
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

  • Dharma · Duty and righteous conduct

    Right action as duty, responsibility and devotion. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “religionist”

  • Moha · Material attachment

    The pull of ego, desire and impermanent relationships. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “wealth”

  • Kṛpā · Divine mercy

    Grace received beyond material calculations. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “grace”

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 much of my effort is directed toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than wealth or recognition?

Practice

Set aside a few minutes today to share a teaching about Kṛṣṇa consciousness without seeking recognition.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

6

Connected stories

Keep going: stories told elsewhere in the Bhāgavatam that this verse or its purport brings in.

The purport quotesSB 1.5.18

Found where this verse or Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport names them. See all of chapter 7.15's connections

Live this todayDepend on Kṛṣṇa and Advance SpirituallyThis 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 7.15.15? Get an answer from the verses themselves.