Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 18
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
श्रीप्रबुद्ध उवाच कर्माण्यारभमाणानां दु:खहत्यै सुखाय च । पश्येत् पाकविपर्यासं मिथुनीचारिणां नृणाम् ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-prabuddha uvāca karmāṇy ārabhamāṇānāṁ duḥkha-hatyai sukhāya ca paśyet pāka-viparyāsaṁ mithunī-cāriṇāṁ nṛṇām
Śrī Prabuddha said: Accepting the roles of male and female in human society, the conditioned souls unite in sexual relationships. Thus they constantly make material endeavors to eliminate their unhappiness and unlimitedly increase their pleasure. But one should see that they inevitably achieve exactly the opposite result. In other words, their happiness inevitably vanishes, and as they grow older their material discomfort increases.
Without the mercy of a pure devotee it is exceedingly difficult to free oneself from the bodily concept of life, which is the illusory basis of sexual attraction.
FAQs
This verse says that people often begin actions hoping to end suffering and gain happiness, but the results frequently ripen in the opposite way—producing more distress—especially when life is centered on sensual/sexual absorption.
Because absorption in sense pleasure tends to bind one to repeated karmic reactions, anxieties, and disappointments—so the promised “happiness” commonly matures into its opposite, increased bondage and suffering.
Before chasing pleasure-driven goals, examine long-term outcomes: if a habit repeatedly increases anxiety, dependence, or dissatisfaction, recognize it as a reversed result and redirect effort toward self-control, devotion, and lasting well-being.