Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 19
Brahmā’s Boons, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s Cosmic Tyranny, and Prahlāda’s Transcendental Qualities
स इत्थं निर्जितककुबेकराड् विषयान् प्रियान् । यथोपजोषं भुञ्जानो नातृप्यदजितेन्द्रिय: ॥ १९ ॥
sa itthaṁ nirjita-kakub eka-rāḍ viṣayān priyān yathopajoṣaṁ bhuñjāno nātṛpyad ajitendriyaḥ
Apesar de ter conquistado todas as direções e reinar como soberano único, Hiraṇyakaśipu permaneceu insatisfeito, mesmo desfrutando ao máximo dos prazeres que lhe eram caros; pois, em vez de dominar os sentidos, continuou servo deles.
This is an example of asuric life. Atheists can advance materially and create an extremely comfortable situation for the senses, but because they are controlled by the senses, they cannot be satisfied. This is the effect of modern civilization. Materialists are very much advanced in enjoying money and women, yet dissatisfaction prevails within human society because human society cannot be happy and peaceful without Kṛṣṇa consciousness. As far as material sense gratification is concerned, materialists may go on increasing their enjoyment as far as they can imagine, but because people in such a material condition are servants of their senses, they cannot be satisfied. Hiraṇyakaśipu was a vivid example of this dissatisfied state of humanity.
FAQs
This verse explains that even after gaining supreme power and freely enjoying sense-objects, one cannot become satisfied if the senses remain unconquered (ajitendriyaḥ).
Because his senses and desires were not controlled; therefore, enjoyment only fed further craving rather than bringing inner contentment.
It points to the need for self-discipline and devotion-centered habits—otherwise, more consumption and achievement will not produce lasting fulfillment.