Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 51
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
सङ्गं त्यजेत मिथुनव्रतीनां मुमुक्षु: सर्वात्मना न विसृजेद् बहिरिन्द्रियाणि । एकश्चरन् रहसि चित्तमनन्त ईशे युञ्जीत तद्व्रतिषु साधुषु चेत् प्रसङ्ग: ॥ ५१ ॥
saṅgaṁ tyajeta mithuna-vratīnāṁ mumukṣuḥ sarvātmanā na visṛjed bahir-indriyāṇi ekaś caran rahasi cittam ananta īśe yuñjīta tad-vratiṣu sādhuṣu cet prasaṅgaḥ
Celui qui aspire à la délivrance doit renoncer entièrement à la compagnie des gens voués au plaisir charnel et ne pas laisser ses sens se tourner vers l’extérieur. Qu’il demeure en retrait, fixant son esprit aux pieds de lotus du Seigneur infini; et s’il veut une compagnie, qu’elle soit celle de saints engagés dans le même vœu.
Saubhari Muni, giving conclusions derived from his practical experience, instructs us that persons interested in crossing to the other side of the material ocean must give up the association of persons interested in sex life and accumulating money. This is also advised by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu:
FAQs
This verse advises a seeker of liberation to renounce association with those attached to sexual pleasure and instead keep company—if at all—with saintly devotees devoted to the Lord.
Because unchecked senses drag the mind outward and obstruct liberation; therefore the mumukṣu should not “let loose” the outward-going senses and should fix the mind on the unlimited Lord.
Reduce influences that inflame lust and distraction, practice deliberate sense discipline (media, speech, habits), and seek uplifting association—satsaṅga, study, and devotional practice that keeps the mind on the Lord.