Shloka 39

Devanagari script

नैतत्खलायोपदिशेन्नाविनीताय कर्हिचित् । न स्तब्धाय न भिन्नाय नैव धर्मध्वजाय च ॥ ३९ ॥

Transliteration

naitat khalāyopadiśen nāvinītāya karhicit na stabdhāya na bhinnāya naiva dharma-dhvajāya ca

Translation

Lord Kapila said: This teaching should never be given to the envious, the undisciplined, or those of impure conduct; nor to the proud, the divided in mind, or the hypocrite who merely bears the banner of dharma.

Synonyms

nanot

etatthis (teaching/thing)

khalāyato a wicked person

upadiśetshould instruct/teach

nanot

avinītāyato the undisciplined

karhicitever/at any time

nanot

stabdhāyato the arrogant/obstinate

nanot

bhinnāyato the hostile/divided (one)

nanot

evaindeed/at all

dharma-dhvajāyato a hypocrite (one with dharma as a banner)

caand

Characters & Entities

Kapila

Devahūti

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about giving spiritual knowledge to unqualified people?

This verse warns that sacred instruction should not be given to the wicked, undisciplined, arrogant, faithless, or hypocritically religious, because such hearers misuse or disrespect divine teachings.

Why did Lord Kapila say this to Devahūti in Canto 3?

Kapila is teaching Devahūti the confidential path of devotion; he also sets boundaries for transmission—bhakti teachings should be shared with sincerity and proper receptivity, not with those who will distort them.

Practical application: how do I apply this verse in modern life?

Share spiritual insights with humility and discernment—seek sincere listeners, avoid debates with cynical or showy “religious” people, and prioritize association with genuine devotees and serious students.