Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 37
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
अथानन्तरमावेक्ष्यन् यथा जिज्ञासितागम: । गुरवे दक्षिणां दत्त्वा स्नायाद् गुर्वनुमोदित: ॥ ३७ ॥
athānantaram āvekṣyan yathā-jijñāsitāgamaḥ gurave dakṣiṇāṁ dattvā snāyād gurv-anumoditaḥ
नंतर वेदाध्ययन पूर्ण करून गृहस्थाश्रमात प्रवेश करण्याची इच्छा असलेला ब्रह्मचारी शास्त्रानुसार गुरूंना दक्षिणा देईल. गुरूंच्या अनुमतीने स्नान करून, केशच्छेदन इत्यादी करून योग्य वस्त्रे धारण करून घरी परत जाईल.
This verse describes the process called samāvartana, or returning to one’s home after finishing Vedic education in the āśrama of the spiritual master. One who cannot concentrate all of his desires in the devotional service of the Lord is attracted to householder life, and if this attraction is not regulated, one will fall down. Being covered by the ignorance of fruitive activities and mental speculation, a living entity seeks enjoyment outside the devotional service of the Supreme Lord and becomes a nondevotee. One who takes to family life must rigidly follow the Vedic rules and regulations in order to avoid the collapse of his spiritual determination. One who enjoys intimate sense gratification with women must become duplicitous in his dealings with others and consequently falls down from the platform of simple, pure life. When the mind is disturbed by lust, one begins to resent the principle of submission to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His pure devotee, and the dark clouds of one’s offensive mentality completely cover the light of spiritual knowledge. One should dovetail his propensity to love someone by serving the lotus feet of a pure devotee. As stated in Vedic literature, “One who worships Govinda, Lord Kṛṣṇa, but does not worship His devotees is not to be considered an advanced Vaiṣṇava; rather, he is to be considered a proud hypocrite.”
FAQs
This verse teaches that after learning the desired sacred knowledge, a disciple should offer dakṣiṇā to the guru as an expression of gratitude and proper dharma.
Because the completion of study and the disciple’s next step should be confirmed by the guru; the guru’s consent validates that the instruction has been properly received and the discipline fulfilled.
Honor those who teach you spiritual life—serve them, support their mission, and seek their guidance before making major spiritual decisions, cultivating humility and gratitude.