Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 16
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Varṇāśrama’s Purpose, Ritualism’s Fall, and Yuga-Avatāras with Kali-yuga Saṅkīrtana
ये कैवल्यमसम्प्राप्ता ये चातीताश्च मूढताम् । त्रैवर्गिका ह्यक्षणिका आत्मानं घातयन्ति ते ॥ १६ ॥
ye kaivalyam asamprāptā ye cātītāś ca mūḍhatām trai-vargikā hy akṣaṇikā ātmānaṁ ghātayanti te
Quienes no han alcanzado el conocimiento de la Verdad Absoluta, pero tampoco han caído en la más densa ignorancia, suelen seguir el camino triple de la vida material piadosa: dharma, artha y kama. Sin tiempo para meditar un fin superior, se vuelven asesinos de su propia alma.
Those who are completely in the darkness of ignorance and thus bereft even of material pious life commit innumerable sinful activities and suffer greatly. Due to such intense suffering such persons sometimes seek the shelter of the devotees of the Lord and, being blessed by such transcendental association, are sometimes elevated to the highest perfectional stage of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
This verse warns that those absorbed only in the tri-varga—religiosity for gain, economic development, and sense pleasure—pursue what is temporary and thereby ruin their real self-interest, which is liberation and devotion to the Lord.
Nārada is instructing Vasudeva on the highest purpose of life: to rise beyond merely worldly goals and cultivate devotion that leads to true freedom (kaivalya), rather than being trapped in fleeting enjoyments.
Use dharma, work, and enjoyment as supports—not life’s final aim—by prioritizing steady sādhana (hearing, chanting, service), simplifying unnecessary consumption, and choosing long-term spiritual benefit over short-term gratification.