Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 11
Purūravā’s Song of Renunciation and the Glory of Sādhu-saṅga
कुतस्तस्यानुभाव: स्यात् तेज ईशत्वमेव वा । योऽन्वगच्छंस्त्रियं यान्तीं खरवत् पादताडित: ॥ ११ ॥
kutas tasyānubhāvaḥ syāt teja īśatvam eva vā yo ’nvagacchaṁ striyaṁ yāntīṁ khara-vat pāda-tāḍitaḥ
Where are my so-called great influence, power and sovereignty? Just like an ass being kicked in the face by his she-ass, I ran after that woman, who had already given me up.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a person who helplessly chases sense pleasure—especially sexual desire—cannot possess true tejas (inner brilliance), anubhava (real influence), or īśatva (self-mastery), because he is driven rather than self-governed.
In His final instructions (Uddhava Gītā), Kṛṣṇa emphasizes renunciation and inner discipline; He warns Uddhava that uncontrolled attraction degrades one’s dignity and spiritual authority, making one behave like a burdened animal.
Practice self-regulation: avoid triggers that inflame lust, keep uplifting association, engage the mind in bhakti (hearing/chanting), and cultivate respectful, dharmic relationships—so mastery of the senses replaces compulsive chasing.