Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 2

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

Devanagari script

स्वधर्माचरणं शक्त्या विधर्माच्च निवर्तनम् । दैवाल्लब्धेन सन्तोष आत्मविच्चरणार्चनम् ॥ २ ॥

Transliteration

sva-dharmācaraṇaṁ śaktyā vidharmāc ca nivartanam daivāl labdhena santoṣa ātmavic-caraṇārcanam

Translation

บุคคลพึงปฏิบัติหน้าที่ตามธรรมของตนให้สุดกำลัง และเว้นจากหน้าที่ที่มิได้กำหนดแก่ตน พึงพอใจในสิ่งที่ได้มาโดยพระกรุณาขององค์พระผู้เป็นเจ้า และพึงบูชา-ปรนนิบัติพระบาทดุจดอกบัวของครูผู้รู้ทางจิตวิญญาณ

Synonyms

• sva-dharma-ācaraṇam: practice of one’s own duty
• sva-dharma-ācaraṇam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: sva (प्रातिपदिक) + dharma (प्रातिपदिक) + ācaraṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन); compound = 'practice of one’s own duty'

• śaktyā: with (one’s) ability
• śaktyā: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: śakti (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Feminine (स्त्रीलिङ्ग), Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular (एकवचन)

• vi-dharmāt: from unrighteous conduct
• vi-dharmāt: Apādāna (अपादान)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vi-dharma (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Ablative (5th/पञ्चमी), Singular (एकवचन)

• ca: and
• ca: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ca (अव्यय)
• Form: Conjunction (समुच्चय-अव्यय)

• nivartanam: withdrawal, turning back
• nivartanam: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: nivartana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• daivāt: from providence, by fate
• daivāt: Hetu (हेतु/निमित्त)
• Type: Noun
• Root: daiva (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग) or Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग) in sense 'fate/divine'; Ablative (5th/पञ्चमी), Singular (एकवचन)

• labdhena: with what is obtained
• labdhena: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: labdha (कृदन्त; √labh धातु)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Singular (एकवचन); past passive participle used substantively/adjectivally = 'with what is obtained'

• santoṣaḥ: contentment
• santoṣaḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: santoṣa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine (पुंलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन)

• ātma-vit-caraṇa-arcanaṁ: worship of the feet of the self-knower
• ātma-vit-caraṇa-arcanaṁ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ātman (प्रातिपदिक) + vit (कृदन्त/प्रातिपदिक 'knower') + caraṇa (प्रातिपदिक) + arcana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Neuter (नपुंसकलिङ्ग), Nominative (1st/प्रथमा), Singular (एकवचन); multi-member tatpuruṣa: 'worship (arcana) of the feet (caraṇa) of the knower of the Self (ātma-vit)'

Purport

In this verse there are many important words which could be very elaborately explained, but we shall briefly discuss the important aspects of each. The final statement is ātmavic-caraṇārcanam. Ātma-vit means a self-realized soul or bona fide spiritual master. Unless one is self-realized and knows what his relationship with the Supersoul is, he cannot be a bona fide spiritual master. Here it is recommended that one should seek out a bona fide spiritual master and surrender unto him ( arcanam ), for by inquiring from and worshiping him one can learn spiritual activities.

Characters & Entities

• Kapila
• Devahūti

FAQs

What does Srimad Bhagavatam say about following svadharma versus vidharmā?

This verse advises doing one’s rightful duties according to capacity (svadharma) and consciously refraining from irreligious or unauthorized actions (vidharma), as a foundation for spiritual life.

Why does Lord Kapila teach contentment with what comes by providence (daivāl labdhena santoṣaḥ)?

Kapila teaches Devahūti that contentment reduces greed and agitation, making the mind steady and fit for devotion and inner realization.

How can I apply this shloka in modern life?

Work responsibly within your role and limits, avoid unethical shortcuts, accept outcomes without constant resentment, and maintain a daily practice of self-reflection and worship to keep life spiritually aligned.