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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 ›

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam · Text 7.15.54

Who is speaking and story frame

अग्नि: सूर्यो दिवा प्राह्ण: शुक्लो राकोत्तरं स्वराट् ।

विश्वोऽथ तैजस: प्राज्ञस्तुर्य आत्मा समन्वयात् ॥ ५४ ॥

agniḥ sūryo divā prāhṇaḥ

śuklo rākottaraṁ sva-rāṭ

viśvo ’tha taijasaḥ prājñas

turya ātmā samanvayāt

Translation

On his path of ascent, the progressive living entity enters the different worlds of fire, the sun, the day, the end of the day, the bright fortnight, the full moon, and the passing of the sun in the north, along with their presiding demigods. When he enters Brahmaloka, he enjoys life for many millions of years, and finally his material designation comes to an end. He then comes to a subtle designation, from which he attains the causal designation, witnessing all previous states. Upon the annihilation of this causal state, he attains his pure state, in which he identifies with the Supersoul. In this way the living entity becomes transcendental.

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.

Beyond Material Designations

  1. 1

    The progressive living entity ascends through different worlds with their presiding demigods. Upon entering Brahmaloka, he enjoys life for many millions of years.

  2. 2

    Eventually his material designation ends, and he passes through subtle and causal designations. In the causal state, he witnesses the previous states.

  3. 3

    When the causal state also ends, the living entity attains his pure state and identifies with the Supersoul. In this way he becomes transcendental.

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:

When one assumes a role in goodness by starting philanthropic and altruistic activities, such activities become impediments on the path of devotional service. The best process for advancing in devotional service is to abide by the orders of the spiritual master, for only by his direction can one conquer the senses.
Read the whole chapter summaryBack to this verse in chapter 7.15
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. agniḥfire
  2. sūryaḥsun
  3. divāday
  4. prāhṇaḥthe end of the day
  5. śuklaḥthe bright fortnight of the moon
  6. rākathe full moon at the end of the śukla-pakṣa
  7. uttaramthe period when the sun passes to the north
  8. sva-rāṭthe Supreme Brahman or Lord Brahmā
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

  • Moha · Material attachment

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

    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

What does this progression suggest about the difference between a temporary designation and the soul’s pure state?

Practice

Take a minute to reflect on one bodily designation you use for yourself and its temporary nature.

5

The story around it

The story this chapter belongs to.

Live this todayBeyond Material DesignationsThis 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 7.15.54? Get an answer from the verses themselves.