Shloka 37
Varṣā-Śarad Vṛndāvana-Śobha: The Beauty of the Rainy and Autumn Seasons in Vraja
नैवाविदन् क्षीयमाणं जलं गाधजलेचरा: । यथायुरन्वहं क्षय्यं नरा मूढा: कुटुम्बिन: ॥ ३७ ॥
naivāvidan kṣīyamāṇaṁ jalaṁ gādha-jale-carāḥ yathāyur anv-ahaṁ kṣayyaṁ narā mūḍhāḥ kuṭumbinaḥ
The fish swimming in water that was growing ever shallower did not understand that the water was diminishing; likewise, foolish family men do not see their span of life being reduced day after day.
After the rainy season the water gradually goes down, but stupid fish do not understand this; thus they are often stranded on the lakeshores and riverbanks. Similarly, those infatuated with family life do not understand that the remainder of their life is constantly decreasing; thus they fail to perfect their Kṛṣṇa consciousness and are stranded in the cycle of birth and death.
FAQs
This verse says that, like deep-water creatures unaware of shrinking water, people—especially attached householders—often do not perceive that their lifespan is being depleted every day.
In Canto 10 Chapter 20, Śukadeva links natural changes to spiritual lessons; the diminishing water becomes an analogy for kāla (time) silently consuming one’s life, urging detachment and devotion.
Regularly reflect on limited time, reduce unnecessary attachment and busyness, and prioritize sādhana—hearing, chanting, and service—so daily life moves toward bhakti rather than mere maintenance.