Shloka 17
Yayāti’s Renunciation: The Allegory of the He-Goat and She-Goat
मात्रा स्वस्रा दुहित्रा वा नाविविक्तासनो भवेत् । बलवानिन्द्रियग्रामो विद्वांसमपि कर्षति ॥ १७ ॥
mātrā svasrā duhitrā vā nāviviktāsano bhavet balavān indriya-grāmo vidvāṁsam api karṣati
Qu’on ne s’assoie pas, en lieu retiré, sur le même siège, même avec sa mère, sa sœur ou sa fille; les sens sont puissants et entraînent jusqu’au savant.
Learning the etiquette of how to deal with women does not free one from sexual attraction. As specifically mentioned herewith, such attraction is possible even with one’s mother, sister or daughter. Generally, of course, one is not sexually attracted to his mother, sister or daughter, but if one allows himself to sit very close to such a woman, one may be attracted. This is a psychological fact. It may be said that one is liable to be attracted if he is not very advanced in civilized life; however, as specifically mentioned here, vidvāṁsam api karṣati: even if one is highly advanced, materially or spiritually, he may be attracted by lusty desires. The object of attraction may even be one’s mother, sister or daughter. Therefore, one should be extremely careful in dealings with women. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was most strict in such dealings, especially after He accepted the sannyāsa order. Indeed, no woman could come near Him to offer Him respect. Again, one is warned herewith that one should be extremely careful in dealings with women. A brahmacārī is forbidden even to see the wife of his spiritual master if she happens to be young. The wife of the spiritual master may sometimes take some service from the disciple of her husband, as she would from a son, but if the wife of the spiritual master is young, a brahmacārī is forbidden to render service to her.
FAQs
This verse warns that the senses are so strong they can overwhelm even the learned; therefore one should avoid situations that unnecessarily provoke sense agitation.
It emphasizes vigilance: the mind and senses can become disturbed in solitude, so dharma recommends avoiding secluded situations that may invite temptation or social suspicion.
Maintain clear boundaries, avoid compromising private situations, and choose environments and habits that support purity, accountability, and steady spiritual practice.