Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 14
Yayāti’s Renunciation: The Allegory of the He-Goat and She-Goat
न जातु काम: कामानामुपभोगेन शाम्यति । हविषा कृष्णवर्त्मेव भूय एवाभिवर्धते ॥ १४ ॥
na jātu kāmaḥ kāmānām upabhogena śāṁyati haviṣā kṛṣṇa-vartmeva bhūya evābhivardhate
কামৰ উপভোগে কাম কেতিয়াও শান্ত নহয়; যেনেকৈ অগ্নিত ঘি ঢালিলে আগুন নুমাই নাযায়, বৰং অধিককৈ জ্বলে।
One may have enough money and enough resources to satisfy the senses but still not be satisfied, for the endeavor to stop lusty desires by enjoying can never be successful. The example given here is very appropriate. One cannot stop a blazing fire by trying to extinguish it with butter.
FAQs
This verse states that desire is not quenched by indulgence; like fire fed with ghee, it increases even more.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this as a general spiritual principle while narrating Canto 9’s dynastic histories, emphasizing renunciation and the danger of unchecked sense desire.
Recognize that repeated indulgence strengthens cravings; practice restraint, redirect the mind to higher purpose (bhakti, prayer, japa), and cultivate contentment to weaken the cycle of wanting.