Shloka 18
Nārada Instructs Dakṣa’s Sons; Allegory of the World; Dakṣa Curses Nārada
ऐश्वरं शास्त्रमुत्सृज्य बन्धमोक्षानुदर्शनम् । विविक्तपदमज्ञाय किमसत्कर्मभिर्भवेत् ॥ १८ ॥
aiśvaraṁ śāstram utsṛjya bandha-mokṣānudarśanam vivikta-padam ajñāya kim asat-karmabhir bhavet
बन्धमोक्षप्रदर्शकं शास्त्रमैश्वरं परित्यज्य, विविक्तं पदं हंसवत् न विज्ञाय; यो मूढः क्षणिककर्मसु रमत, तस्य असत्कर्मभिः किं फलम्?
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very eager to present Vedic literature in modern languages, especially Western languages such as English, French and German. The leaders of the Western world, the Americans and Europeans, have become the idols of modern civilization because the Western people are very sophisticated in temporary activities for the advancement of material civilization. A sane man, however, can see that all such grand activities, although perhaps very important for temporary life, have nothing to do with eternal life. The entire world is imitating the materialistic civilization of the West, and therefore the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very much interested in giving the Western people knowledge by translating the original Sanskrit Vedic literatures into Western languages.
FAQs
This verse states that divine scripture is meant to reveal the reality of bondage and the path to liberation; abandoning that guidance leads only to futile, impure action.
Nārada instructed Dakṣa’s sons to seek the true goal of life; he warns that without understanding the clear conclusion of śāstra, worldly activity cannot yield real benefit.
Use authentic spiritual teachings to guide choices, and avoid actions that increase attachment and confusion—prioritizing practices that clarify purpose, character, and devotion.