Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 25
Purañjana Captivated by Lust; Time (Caṇḍavega) and Old Age (Kālakanyā) Begin the Siege
द्वाविमावनुशोचन्ति बालावसदवग्रहौ । यल्लोकशास्त्रोपनतं न राति न तदिच्छति ॥ २५ ॥
dvāv imāv anuśocanti bālāv asad-avagrahau yal loka-śāstropanataṁ na rāti na tad icchati
Wer keine Almosen gemäß Brauch und den Geboten der Schriften gibt, und wer sie nicht auf diese Weise annimmt, beide stehen in der Erscheinungsweise der Unwissenheit und folgen dem Pfad der Toren. Gewiss werden sie am Ende klagen.
It is herein stated that one should strictly follow the scriptures if one actually wants an auspicious life. The same is explained in Bhagavad-gītā (16.23) :
FAQs
This verse says lamentation is especially found in childish, misguided people—those who refuse to give what scripture and saintly guidance make available, and those who refuse to even desire such a beneficial gift.
In the Purañjana allegory, he highlights how spiritual opportunity comes through śāstra and the wise; rejecting it—either by miserliness (not giving) or indifference (not desiring)—keeps one bound to sorrow.
When genuine guidance, time, or resources for spiritual growth are available, accept them gratefully and share them appropriately—otherwise one remains stuck in regret and dissatisfaction.