Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 18
Priyavrata Accepts Kingship by Brahmā’s Instruction; Sapta-dvīpa Formation and Renunciation
य: षट् सपत्नान् विजिगीषमाणो गृहेषु निर्विश्य यतेत पूर्वम् । अत्येति दुर्गाश्रित ऊर्जितारीन् क्षीणेषु कामं विचरेद्विपश्चित् ॥ १८ ॥
yaḥ ṣaṭ sapatnān vijigīṣamāṇo gṛheṣu nirviśya yateta pūrvam atyeti durgāśrita ūrjitārīn kṣīṇeṣu kāmaṁ vicared vipaścit
Quien, viviendo en el hogar, conquista metódicamente la mente y los cinco sentidos—esos seis enemigos—es como un rey en su fortaleza que vence a adversarios poderosos. Cuando el deseo se ha debilitado, ese hombre prudente puede moverse por doquier sin peligro.
The Vedic system of four varṇas and four āśramas is very scientific, and its entire purpose is to enable one to control the senses. Before entering household life ( gṛhastha-āśrama ), a student is fully trained to become jitendriya, a conqueror of the senses. Such a mature student is allowed to become a householder, and because he was first trained in conquering his senses, he retires from household life and becomes vānaprastha as soon as the strong waves of youthful life are past and he reaches the verge of old age at fifty years or slightly more. Then, after being further trained, he accepts sannyāsa. He is then a fully learned and renounced person who can move anywhere and everywhere without fear of being captivated by material desires. The senses are considered very powerful enemies. As a king in a strong fortress can conquer powerful enemies, so a householder in gṛhastha-āśrama, household life, can conquer the lusty desires of youth and be very secure when he takes vānaprastha and sannyāsa.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should systematically strive to conquer the six internal rivals, using a strong, disciplined shelter (like an āśrama framework) so that even powerful impulses become weakened and manageable.
He indicates that regulated life and responsibility can function like a ‘fort’—a stable structure for practicing restraint—so one can face sense pressures directly and gradually subdue them rather than pretending renunciation without inner victory.
Create a “fort” of discipline—daily sādhana, clean habits, regulated relationships, and accountability—then work on reducing the six enemies step-by-step; as they weaken, life becomes calmer and freer from compulsions.