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SB 3.28: Kapila's Instructions on the Execution of Devotional Service · Page 1/150

SB 3.28: Kapila's Instructions on the Execution of Devotional Service

SB 3.28 Text 2
Text
sva-dharmācaraṇaṁ śaktyā
vidharmāc ca nivartanam
daivāl labdhena santoṣa
ātmavic-caraṇārcanam
Synonyms

sva-dharma-ācaraṇam-executing one's prescribed duties; śaktyā-to the best of one's ability; vidharmāt-unauthorized duties; ca-and; nivartanam-avoiding; daivāt-by the grace of the Lord; labdhena-with what is achieved; santoṣaḥ-satisfied; ātma-vit-of the self-realized soul; caraṇa-the feet; arcanam-worshiping.

Translation

One should execute his prescribed duties to the best of his ability and avoid performing duties not allotted to him. One should be satisfied with as much gain as he achieves by the grace of the Lord, and one should worship the lotus feet of a spiritual master.

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.