Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 1
Yayāti’s Renunciation: The Allegory of the He-Goat and She-Goat
श्रीशुक उवाच स इत्थमाचरन् कामान् स्त्रैणोऽपह्नवमात्मन: । बुद्ध्वा प्रियायै निर्विण्णो गाथामेतामगायत ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca sa ittham ācaran kāmān straiṇo ’pahnavam ātmanaḥ buddhvā priyāyai nirviṇṇo gāthām etām agāyata
Śrī Śukadeva dit : Ô Mahārāja Parīkṣit, Yayāti était fortement attaché aux femmes ; mais, avec le temps, dégoûté des plaisirs sensuels et de leurs effets néfastes, il renonça à cette voie et chanta ce récit sacré à son épouse bien-aimée.
FAQs
This verse states that indulgence in kāma—especially obsessive attachment to women—can make one cheat oneself, but realization can awaken detachment and remorse.
He highlights the turning point where a person recognizes the emptiness of sense indulgence and becomes inwardly disillusioned, opening the door to purification and dharmic resolve.
Notice how cravings can rationalize harmful choices; cultivate honest self-reflection and redirect desire toward higher purpose—through discipline, prayer, and devotion.