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
Wenn ein Mensch durch schlechte Gesellschaft oder durch mangelnde Beherrschung der Sinne dem Adharma verfällt, füllt er sich mit materiellen Begierden: Er wird geizig, gierig, an Frauenlust gekettet und gewalttätig gegen Lebewesen. Ohne Autorität der vedischen Gebote schlachtet er Tiere zur Sinnesbefriedigung und verehrt Pretas und Bhūtas; so stürzt die verwirrte Jīva in die Hölle und erhält einen Körper, der von der dichtesten Finsternis des Tamas durchdrungen ist. In diesem entwürdigten Körper vollbringt er erneut unheilvolle Taten, die sein künftiges Leid mehren, und nimmt immer wieder einen ähnlichen Körper an—welches Glück kann es für den geben, dessen Handeln unweigerlich im Tod endet?
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.