Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 25
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
स्त्रीभि: कामगयानेन किङ्किणीजालमालिना । क्रीडन् न वेदात्मपातं सुराक्रीडेषु निर्वृत: ॥ २५ ॥
strībhiḥ kāmaga-yānena kiṅkinī-jāla-mālinā krīḍan na vedātma-pātaṁ surākrīḍeṣu nirvṛtaḥ
Accompanied by heavenly women, the enjoyer of the fruits of sacrifice goes on pleasure rides in a wonderful airplane, which is decorated with circles of tinkling bells and which flies wherever he desires. Being relaxed, comfortable and happy in the heavenly pleasure gardens, he does not consider that he is exhausting the fruits of his piety and will soon fall down to the mortal world.
FAQs
This verse warns that indulgence in lust and drunken revelry blinds a person to their own spiritual and moral collapse, because pleasure makes them ignore consequences.
In the 11th Canto’s teachings on renunciation and devotion, Śukadeva explains that uncontrolled senses—especially lust and intoxication—steal one’s discrimination, leading the soul away from dharma and bhakti.
Avoid habits that dull awareness (intoxication, compulsive sensuality), set clear boundaries, and replace lower pleasures with sādhana—chanting, satsanga, and service—so the mind regains clarity and direction.