FolioCorpusŚrīmad-Bhāgavatam

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.21.6

वेदेन नामरूपाणि विषमाणि समेष्वपि । धातुषूद्धव कल्प्यन्त एतेषां स्वार्थसिद्धये ॥ ६ ॥
vedena nāma-rūpāṇi
[vedena naama-roopaani]
viṣamāṇi sameṣv api
[vishamaani sameshv api]
dhātuṣūddhava kalpyanta
[dhaatushooddhava kalpyanta]
eteṣāṁ svārtha-siddhaye
[eteshaam svaartha-siddhaye]
vedena — by Vedic literature nāma — names rūpāṇi — and forms viṣamāṇi — different sameṣu — which are equal api — indeed dhātuṣu — in (material bodies composed of) the five elements uddhava — My dear Uddhava kalpyante — are conceived of eteṣām — of them, the living entities sva-artha — of self-interest siddhaye — for the achievement.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
vedena nāma-rūpāṇi
vedena
by Vedic literature
nāma
names
rūpāṇi
and forms
viṣamāṇi sameṣv api
viṣamāṇi
different
sameṣu
which are equal
api
indeed
dhātuṣūddhava kalpyanta
dhātuṣu
in (material bodies composed of) the five elements
uddhava
My dear Uddhava
kalpyante
are conceived of
eteṣāṁ svārtha-siddhaye
eteṣām
of them, the living entities
sva-artha
of self-interest
siddhaye
for the achievement.
My dear Uddhava, although all material bodies are composed of the same five elements and are thus equal, the Vedic literatures conceive of different names and forms in relation to such bodies so that the living entities may achieve their goal of life.

The words nāma-rūpāṇi viṣamāṇi refer to the system of varṇāśrama-dharma, in which members of human society are designated according to four social and four occupational divisions. Those dedicated to intellectual or religious perfection are called brāhmaṇas, those dedicated to political perfection are called kṣatriyas, those dedicated to financial perfection are called vaiśyas, and those dedicated to eating, sleeping, sex and honest work are called śūdras. Such propensities arise from the three modes of material nature (goodness, passion and ignorance), because the pure soul is not materially intellectual, ambitious for power, enterprising or servile. Rather, the pure soul is always absorbed in loving devotion to the Supreme Lord. If the various propensities of a conditioned soul are not engaged in the varṇāśrama system, they will certainly be misused, and thus that person will fall down from the standard of human life. The Vedic system is designed by the Lord so that conditioned souls may pursue their individual achievements and at the same time advance toward the ultimate goal of life, Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Just as a doctor deals with a crazy man by speaking to him sympathetically in terms of his false conception of life, one who understands the Vedic literature engages the living entities according to their illusory identification with the elements of matter. Although all material bodies are composed of the same material elements and are thus qualitatively identical, as described here by the word sameṣu, the Vedic social system, varṇāśrama, is created to engage all human beings in Kṛṣṇa consciousness according to their various degrees of material identification. The absolute good is the Supreme Lord Himself, and that which approaches the Supreme Lord becomes similarly good. Because the sun is the source of heat within this world, an object that approaches the sun becomes hotter and hotter until it merges into fire. In the same manner, as we approach the transcendental nature of the Personality of Godhead, we automatically become surcharged with absolute goodness. Although this knowledge is the real basis of the Vedic literature, mundane piety is enjoined and sin is prohibited so that one can gradually come to the platform of material goodness, whereupon spiritual knowledge becomes visible.

— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
O Uddhava! Although all material bodies are composed of the same five elements and are thus equal, the Vedic literatures conceive of different names and forms in relation to such bodies so that the living entities may achieve their goal of life. In the bodies made of the same elements, different names and forms (words and objects they represent) are made, relating to varṇāśrama, such as brāhmaṇa, brahmacārī, betel nut seller, or oil man. The aim of making these names and forms is explained. They allow humans to attain goals in terms of dharma by restricting enjoying tendencies.
Bodies are made of the same elements but the Vedas give different names and forms for them so beings may achieve life's goal. Naming is purposeful, not arbitrary.
Reflection Questions
  • Where do I confuse name and form with essence?
  • What is the goal these names are meant to serve?
📝 My note

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