Shloka 11
Dharma, Purity, and the Inner Purpose of the Vedas
Karma-kāṇḍa Reoriented to Bhakti
शक्त्याशक्त्याथ वा बुद्ध्या समृद्ध्या च यदात्मने । अघं कुर्वन्ति हि यथा देशावस्थानुसारत: ॥ ११ ॥
śaktyāśaktyātha vā buddhyā samṛddhyā ca yad ātmane aghaṁ kurvanti hi yathā deśāvasthānusārataḥ
शक्त्याशक्त्याथ वा बुद्ध्या समृद्ध्या च यदात्मने । अघं कुर्वन्ति हि यथा देशावस्थानुसारत: ॥ ११ ॥
The Lord has described the purity and impurity of different places, times and material objects. According to the laws of nature, that which is impure contaminates a particular person in accordance with that person’s situation, as described here. For example, on certain occasions, such as a solar eclipse or just after childbirth, one must restrict the intake of food according to ritualistic injunctions. One who is physically weak, however, may eat without being considered impious. Ordinary persons consider the ten days following childbirth to be most auspicious, whereas one who is learned knows that this period is actually impure. Ignorance of the law does not save one from being punished, but one who consciously commits sinful activities is considered most fallen. Concerning opulence ( samṛddhi ), worn-out, dirty clothing or a messy residence are considered impure for a rich man but acceptable for one who is poor. The word deśa indicates that in a safe and peaceful place one is obligated to strictly perform religious rituals, whereas in a dangerous or chaotic situation one may be excused for occasional negligence of secondary principles. One who is physically healthy must offer obeisances to the Deities, attend religious functions and execute his prescribed duties, but a young child or sickly person may be excused from such activities, as indicated by the word avasthā. Ultimately, as Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī states:
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa explains that wrongdoing often arises according to one’s capacity, intelligence, wealth, and the pressures of time and place—so accountability and reform must consider real conditions.
While teaching Uddhava about dharma and proper conduct, Kṛṣṇa highlights how human behavior is shaped by ability and circumstance, preparing Uddhava to understand practical ethics rather than rigid, one-size rules.
Assess your habits realistically—your strengths, weaknesses, and environment—and structure your life to reduce triggers for wrongdoing (company, routines, and consumption), while using your resources and intelligence to choose dharmic alternatives.