Shloka 30
Pṛthu Mahārāja Meets the Four Kumāras: Bhakti as the Boat Across Saṁsāra
इन्द्रियैर्विषयाकृष्टैराक्षिप्तं ध्यायतां मन: । चेतनां हरते बुद्धे: स्तम्बस्तोयमिव ह्रदात् ॥ ३० ॥
indriyair viṣayākṛṣṭair ākṣiptaṁ dhyāyatāṁ manaḥ cetanāṁ harate buddheḥ stambas toyam iva hradāt
إذا انجذبت الحواس إلى موضوعات اللذة اضطرب العقل. وبكثرة التفكّر في تلك الموضوعات تُسلب من البُدْهيّة (البُدّهي) شعلة الوعي الحق، كما يُمتصّ ماء البحيرة شيئًا فشيئًا بسيقان العشب على ضفافها.
In this verse it is very nicely explained how our original Kṛṣṇa consciousness becomes polluted and we gradually become almost completely forgetful of our relationship with the Supreme Lord. In a previous verse it is recommended that we should always keep in touch with the devotional service of the Lord so that the blazing fire of devotional service can gradually burn into ashes material desires and we can become liberated from the repetition of birth and death. This is also how we can indirectly keep our staunch faith in the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. When the mind is allowed to think of sense gratification continuously, it becomes the cause of our material bondage. If our mind is simply filled with sense gratification, even though we want Kṛṣṇa consciousness, by continuous practice we cannot forget the subject matter of sense gratification. If one takes up the sannyāsa order of life but is not able to control the mind, he will think of objects of sense gratification — namely family, society, expensive house, etc. Even though he goes to the Himālayas or the forest, his mind will continue thinking of the objects of sense gratification. In this way, gradually one’s intelligence will be affected. When intelligence is affected, one loses his original taste for Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
This verse explains that when the senses pull the mind toward their objects, the mind fixates on them and gradually robs one’s intelligence and higher awareness.
While instructing his citizens on righteous and spiritual living, Pṛthu warned that uncontrolled senses divert the mind, weaken discrimination, and obstruct devotion and self-realization.
Reduce impulsive sense-driven habits, practice mindful restraint, and redirect attention to sādhana—such as hearing and chanting—so intelligence remains clear and spiritually focused.