Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 4

Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form

Devanagari script

अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं यावदर्थपरिग्रह: । ब्रह्मचर्यं तप: शौचं स्वाध्याय: पुरुषार्चनम् ॥ ४ ॥

Transliteration

ahiṁsā satyam asteyaṁ yāvad-artha-parigrahaḥ brahmacaryaṁ tapaḥ śaucaṁ svādhyāyaḥ puruṣārcanam

Translation

On doit pratiquer la non-violence et la véracité, éviter le vol et se contenter de posséder seulement ce qui est nécessaire à l’entretien du corps. Il faut observer le brahmacarya, accomplir l’austérité, garder la pureté, étudier les Vedas et adorer la forme suprême de la Personnalité Suprême de Dieu.

Synonyms

• ahiṁsā: non-violence
• ahiṁsā: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: a-hiṁsā (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine (स्त्रीलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• satyam: truthfulness
• satyam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: satya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• asteyam: non-stealing
• asteyam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: a-steya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• yāvat-artha-parigrahaḥ: accepting only what is necessary
• yāvat-artha-parigrahaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: yāvat (प्रातिपदिक) + artha (प्रातिपदिक) + parigraha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन); compound = 'acceptance/possession only to the extent of need'

• brahmacaryam: celibacy, continence
• brahmacaryam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: brahmacarya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• tapaḥ: austerity
• tapaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tapas (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• śaucam: purity, cleanliness
• śaucam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śauca (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• svādhyāyaḥ: self-study (scriptural recitation)
• svādhyāyaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: svādhyāya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• puruṣa-arcanam: worship of the Person (Lord)
• puruṣa-arcanam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: puruṣa (प्रातिपदिक) + arcana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन); compound = 'worship of the Supreme Person'

Purport

The word puruṣārcanam in this verse means worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead, especially the form of Lord Kṛṣṇa. In Bhagavad-gītā it is confirmed by Arjuna that Kṛṣṇa is the original puruṣa, or Personality of Godhead, puruṣaṁ śāśvatam. Therefore in yoga practice one not only must concentrate his mind on the person of Kṛṣṇa, but must also worship the form or Deity of Kṛṣṇa daily.

Characters & Entities

• Kapila
• Devahuti

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the basic disciplines for bhakti-yoga and meditation?

This verse lists core disciplines—ahimsa, truthfulness, non-stealing, simplicity in possessions, brahmacarya, austerity, cleanliness, scriptural study, and worship of the Supreme Person—as foundations for spiritual practice.

Why did Kapila Muni teach these virtues to Devahuti in Canto 3?

Kapila instructs Devahuti in a practical path of devotion and meditation; these virtues purify conduct and consciousness so the mind can steadily worship and remember the Supreme Lord.

How can I apply ahimsa, satya, and yavad-artha-parigraha in modern life?

Practice non-harm in thought, speech, and lifestyle; speak truth with compassion; avoid taking what isn’t yours; and simplify consumption by keeping only what supports duty, health, and devotion.