Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 31
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
यद्यसौ छन्दसां लोकमारोक्ष्यन् ब्रह्मविष्टपम् । गुरवे विन्यसेद् देहं स्वाध्यायार्थं बृहद्व्रत: ॥ ३१ ॥
yady asau chandasāṁ lokam ārokṣyan brahma-viṣṭapam gurave vinyased dehaṁ svādhyāyārthaṁ bṛhad-vrataḥ
Si l’étudiant brahmacārī désire s’élever vers Maharloka ou Brahmaloka, qu’il remette entièrement ses actes au maître spirituel et, observant le grand vœu de brahmacarya perpétuel, se consacre à l’étude védique la plus élevée.
One who desires the supreme perfection of life must engage his body, mind and words in the service of a bona fide spiritual master. One desiring elevation to superior planets such as Brahmaloka and Maharloka must fully engage in the spiritual master’s service. We can thus imagine the sincerity of purpose and service required to achieve the Kṛṣṇaloka planet, which lies far beyond the material universe.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one seeking higher spiritual attainment should dedicate even one’s body—one’s full effort and discipline—to the service of the guru, especially to support sacred study (svādhyāya).
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on varṇāśrama principles; here He emphasizes that Vedic learning and higher destinations are grounded in humility, discipline, and service to the spiritual master.
Keep a steady daily practice of scriptural reading/chanting, follow disciplined vows suitable to your life, and actively support your teacher’s guidance through service, integrity, and consistent practice.