Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 27
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
यद्यधर्मरत: सङ्गादसतां वाजितेन्द्रिय: । कामात्मा कृपणो लुब्ध: स्त्रैणो भूतविहिंसक: ॥ २७ ॥ पशूनविधिनालभ्य प्रेतभूतगणान् यजन् । नरकानवशो जन्तुर्गत्वा यात्युल्बणं तम: ॥ २८ ॥ कर्माणि दु:खोदर्काणि कुर्वन् देहेन तै: पुन: । देहमाभजते तत्र किं सुखं मर्त्यधर्मिण: ॥ २९ ॥
yady adharma-rataḥ saṅgād asatāṁ vājitendriyaḥ kāmātmā kṛpaṇo lubdhaḥ straiṇo bhūta-vihiṁsakaḥ
إذا انغمس الإنسان في الأدهرما بسبب صحبة السوء أو لعجزه عن كبح الحواس، امتلأ قلبه بالرغبات المادية؛ فيغدو بخيلاً، جشعاً، مولعاً باستغلال جسد المرأة، عنيفاً مؤذياً للكائنات. متجاوزاً أحكام الفيدا يذبح الحيوانات لإشباع اللذة الحسية، ويعبد أشباح الـ«بريتا» و«بهوتا»؛ فيسقط الجيفا المضلَّل في الجحيم، وينال جسداً ملوثاً بأشد ظلمات «تاماس». وفي ذلك الجسد المنحط يواصل أعمالاً مشؤومة تثمر ألماً متزايداً، فيعود مراراً إلى جسد مماثل—فأي سعادة لمن ينشغل بأعمال لا بد أن تنتهي بالموت؟
In the Vedic analysis of civilized life there are two paths. One who takes to the path of nivṛtti-mārga immediately renounces material sense gratification and purifies his existence by performance of austerity and devotional activities. On the path of pravṛtti-mārga one furnishes a steady supply of sense objects to the senses, but one consumes such sense objects under strict regulations and through ritualistic ceremonies, thus gradually purifying the heart and satiating the material senses. Unfortunately, as explained in this and the previous verse, the path of pravṛtti-mārga is extremely volatile because rather than becoming detached, the living entity often becomes uncontrolled and fully addicted to further sense gratification. In the previous verse the path of regulated, authorized sense gratification was described, and in this verse the path of unauthorized, demoniac sense gratification is described.
FAQs
It warns that association with the wicked can push a person into irreligion, uncontrolled senses, lust, greed, and violence—qualities that lead to severe karmic consequences.
While instructing Uddhava, Krishna explains how degradation begins through asat-saṅga and how such habits bind the soul through sinful karma, obstructing liberation and devotion.
Choose uplifting company, regulate the senses, avoid exploitative sexuality and cruelty, and cultivate habits that support compassion, self-control, and devotion.