Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 6
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्ष: श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रिय: । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत् स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६ ॥
suśīlo mita-bhug dakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ yāvad-arthaṁ vyavaharet strīṣu strī-nirjiteṣu ca
A brahmacārī should be quite well-behaved and gentle and should not eat or collect more than necessary. He must always be active and expert, fully believing in the instructions of the spiritual master and the śāstra. Fully controlling his senses, he should associate only as much as necessary with women or those controlled by women.
A brahmacārī should be very careful not to mix with women or with men addicted to women. Although when he goes out to beg alms it is necessary to talk with women and with men very much attached to women, this association should be very short, and he should talk with them only about begging alms, and not more. A brahmacārī should be very careful in associating with men who are attached to women.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a spiritually grounded person should be self-controlled, moderate in habits, and guided by faith—keeping interactions that stimulate lust strictly within the limits of duty.
In the context of varṇāśrama guidance, he highlights that uncontrolled association fuels sense agitation and distracts the mind from dharma and devotion; therefore, one should keep such dealings only as required and avoid corrupting company.
Practice moderation (food, media, habits), choose uplifting company, set clear boundaries in relationships, and keep interactions aligned with responsibility and spiritual goals rather than impulse.