Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 11
Purūravā’s Song of Renunciation and the Glory of Sādhu-saṅga
कुतस्तस्यानुभाव: स्यात् तेज ईशत्वमेव वा । योऽन्वगच्छंस्त्रियं यान्तीं खरवत् पादताडित: ॥ ११ ॥
kutas tasyānubhāvaḥ syāt teja īśatvam eva vā yo ’nvagacchaṁ striyaṁ yāntīṁ khara-vat pāda-tāḍitaḥ
Wo sind mein Einfluss, meine Kraft und meine Herrschaft? Ich rannte der Frau nach, die mich schon verlassen hatte, wie ein Esel, dem die Eselin ins Gesicht tritt.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a person who helplessly chases sense pleasure—especially sexual desire—cannot possess true tejas (inner brilliance), anubhava (real influence), or īśatva (self-mastery), because he is driven rather than self-governed.
In His final instructions (Uddhava Gītā), Kṛṣṇa emphasizes renunciation and inner discipline; He warns Uddhava that uncontrolled attraction degrades one’s dignity and spiritual authority, making one behave like a burdened animal.
Practice self-regulation: avoid triggers that inflame lust, keep uplifting association, engage the mind in bhakti (hearing/chanting), and cultivate respectful, dharmic relationships—so mastery of the senses replaces compulsive chasing.