Saptama Skandha Adhyaya 12 Shloka 3 - Srimad Bhagavatam | French | Vedapath

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Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 3

Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity

Devanagari script

छन्दांस्यधीयीत गुरोराहूतश्चेत् सुयन्त्रित: । उपक्रमेऽवसाने च चरणौ शिरसा नमेत् ॥ ३ ॥

Transliteration

chandāṁsy adhīyīta guror āhūtaś cet suyantritaḥ upakrame ’vasāne ca caraṇau śirasā namet

Translation

Appelé par le maître spirituel, le disciple doit, avec discipline, étudier chaque jour les mantras védiques. Au début et à la fin de l’étude, qu’il s’incline et offre ses hommages aux pieds du guru.

Synonyms

छन्दांसिVedic meters / Vedic hymns

अधीयीतshould study

गुरोःof the teacher

आहूतःhaving been called / summoned

चेत्if

सुयन्त्रितःwell-controlled / well-disciplined

उपक्रमेat the beginning

अवसानेat the end

चand

चरणौ(the two) feet

शिरसाwith (one's) head

नमेत्should bow

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about respecting the spiritual master?

This verse teaches disciplined service to the guru—responding when called and offering obeisances at the beginning and end of one’s study—showing that humility and guru-reverence are essential to Vedic learning.

Why does Shukadeva Gosvami describe bowing to the guru at the beginning and end?

In the context of varnashrama-dharma teachings, Shukadeva explains proper brahmachari conduct: learning is sanctified by humility, and honoring the guru frames study as sacred service rather than mere scholarship.

Practical application of guru-discipline in modern life?

Maintain punctuality and responsiveness to guidance, begin and end study or practice with gratitude and humility, and treat learning as character-training—self-restraint, respect, and consistency.