Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 18
The Forest of Material Existence: Jaḍa Bharata Instructs King Rahūgaṇa
द्रुमेषु रंस्यन् सुतदारवत्सलो व्यवायदीनो विवश: स्वबन्धने । क्वचित्प्रमादाद् गिरिकन्दरे पतन् वल्लीं गृहीत्वा गजभीत आस्थित: ॥ १८ ॥
drumeṣu raṁsyan suta-dāra-vatsalo vyavāya-dīno vivaśaḥ sva-bandhane kvacit pramādād giri-kandare patan vallīṁ gṛhītvā gaja-bhīta āsthitaḥ
Quando a entidade viva se torna como um macaco que salta de galho em galho, permanece na árvore da vida doméstica sem proveito algum além do sexo, impotente em seu próprio cativeiro. Às vezes, por descuido, cai numa caverna de montanha, como numa doença incurável; temendo a morte, qual elefante ao fundo dessa caverna, fica preso agarrando-se aos ramos e cipós de uma trepadeira.
The precarious condition of a householder’s life is described herein. A householder’s life is full of misery, and the only attraction is sex with the wife who kicks him during sexual intercourse, just as the she-ass does her mate. Due to continuous sex life, he falls victim to many incurable diseases. At that time, being afraid of death, which is like an elephant, he remains hanging from the twigs and branches of the tree, just like a monkey.
FAQs
This verse describes how excessive affection for spouse and children, combined with indulgence in sense pleasure, makes a person helplessly bound in self-created material bondage.
The imagery conveys overwhelming, sudden terror in material life—when one slips due to negligence, he clings desperately for survival, haunted by powerful dangers beyond his control.
Moderate sense enjoyment, avoid negligence, and cultivate spiritual priorities—otherwise comfort-based life can quickly turn into anxiety and dependence when circumstances collapse.