1 · Learn4 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

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

Or browse by canto and chapter
Canto

Canto 7 · The Science of God · 15 chapters

123456789101112131415

Choose a chapter to see all its verses.

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
7.15.167.15.18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.15.17

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

सदा सन्तुष्टमनस: सर्वा: शिवमया दिश: ।

शर्कराकण्टकादिभ्यो यथोपानत्पद: शिवम् ॥ १७ ॥

sadā santuṣṭa-manasaḥ

sarvāḥ śivamayā diśaḥ

śarkarā-kaṇṭakādibhyo

yathopānat-padaḥ śivam

Translation

For a person who has suitable shoes on his feet, there is no danger even when he walks on pebbles and thorns. For him, everything is auspicious. Similarly, for one who is always self-satisfied there is no distress; indeed, he feels happiness everywhere.

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.

Contentment Protects Like Suitable Shoes

  1. 1

    Suitable shoes protect a person walking over pebbles and thorns. The rough ground no longer presents the same danger.

  2. 2

    The verse compares this protection to a mind that is always self-satisfied.

  3. 3

    For a self-satisfied person, everything is auspicious. Rather than feeling distress, such a person finds happiness everywhere.

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:

One who refrains from such endeavors but who engages in devotional service is most auspicious. One who is not satisfied with the mind must fall to degradation.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. sadāalways
  2. santuṣṭa-manasaḥfor a person who is self-satisfied
  3. sarvāḥeverything
  4. śiva-mayāḥauspicious
  5. diśaḥin all directions
  6. śarkarāfrom pebbles
  7. kaṇṭaka-ādibhyaḥand thorns, etc.
  8. yathāas
  9. upānat-padaḥfor a person who has suitable shoes
  10. śivamthere is no danger (auspicious)
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

  • Karuṇā · Compassion

    Concern for others expressed through bhakti. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “distress”

  • Abhaya · Fearlessness

    Steadiness through faith amid danger and death. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “danger”

  • Rakṣā · Divine protection

    Protection of devotees through the Lord’s intervention. · Theme in SB 7.15

    In this verse: “protect”

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 might contentment change my experience of a difficulty I face today?

Practice

When a small inconvenience arises today, pause and practice remaining content instead of complaining.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayContentment Protects Like Suitable ShoesThis 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 7.15.17? Get an answer from the verses themselves.
  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 5 of 11 · 2 minAsk the BhāgavatamBring your own question. Get an answer drawn only from the Bhāgavatam's translations, with every verse shown.Back · LearnCantos & stories