Shloka 24
Dharma, Purity, and the Inner Purpose of the Vedas
Karma-kāṇḍa Reoriented to Bhakti
उत्पत्त्यैव हि कामेषु प्राणेषु स्वजनेषु च । आसक्तमनसो मर्त्या आत्मनोऽनर्थहेतुषु ॥ २४ ॥
utpattyaiva hi kāmeṣu prāṇeṣu sva-janeṣu ca āsakta-manaso martyā ātmano ’nartha-hetuṣu
Du seul fait de la naissance matérielle, les mortels s’attachent mentalement aux plaisirs des sens, à la conservation de la vie et aux proches; ainsi leur esprit s’absorbe dans des causes d’infortune qui ruinent leur véritable intérêt.
Our attachment to the material body and the bodies of family and friends inevitably leads to unbearable anxiety and suffering. The mind absorbed in the bodily concept of life cannot possibly advance in self-realization, and thus one’s hope for an eternal life of bliss and knowledge is defeated by the objects of one’s so-called affection. Activities performed in ignorance are beneficial neither for oneself nor others, just as the charitable activities one may perform in a dream bestow no tangible benefit on real people. The conditioned soul is dreaming of a world separate from God, but any advancement experienced in this dream world is merely hallucination. The Lord states in Bhagavad-gītā, sarva-loka-maheśvaram: He is the supreme enjoyer and Lord of all planets and worlds. Only by Kṛṣṇa consciousness, recognition of the supremacy of God, can one make actual progress in life.
FAQs
This verse states that mortals become attached from birth to pleasures, life itself, and relatives, and that such attachments can become causes of anartha—spiritual misfortune for the self.
Krishna is instructing Uddhava on the roots of bondage: the mind’s innate attachment to worldly supports. By recognizing these as potential causes of anartha, Uddhava can cultivate detachment and take shelter of bhakti.
Do your duties toward family and livelihood, but reduce possessiveness and identity-based attachment; remember the soul’s welfare is primary, and center life on devotion, self-discipline, and remembrance of Krishna.