Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
योषिद्धिरण्याभरणाम्बरादि- द्रव्येषु मायारचितेषु मूढ: । प्रलोभितात्मा ह्युपभोगबुद्ध्या पतङ्गवन्नश्यति नष्टदृष्टि: ॥ ८ ॥
yoṣid-dhiraṇyābharaṇāmbarādi- dravyeṣu māyā-raciteṣu mūḍhaḥ pralobhitātmā hy upabhoga-buddhyā pataṅga-van naśyati naṣṭa-dṛṣṭiḥ
தங்க ஆபரணங்கள், நுண்ணிய ஆடைகள் முதலியவற்றால் அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்ட காமினியைப் பார்த்தவுடன் மூடன் ஆசையால் தூண்டப்படுகிறான். இன்பநுகர்வு எண்ணத்தால் அவன் அறிவுத் தெளிவு அழிந்து, தீயில் பாயும் பட்டாம்பூச்சிபோல் அவன் நாசமடைகிறான்।
Actually, women have the power to attract men through all of the material senses. Men become lusty by seeing the body of a woman, by smelling her fragrance, by hearing her voice, by tasting her lips and by touching her body. However, the foolish relationship based on material sex attraction begins by seeing, and thus rūpa, or form, is very prominent in the process of ruining one’s intelligence. This fact has been exploited in modern times by huge pornography industries, which prey on unfortunate men and women. The example of the foolish moth rushing into the fire and destroying itself is most appropriate in this regard, for one who becomes addicted to the momentary pleasure of sex indulgence certainly loses his power to understand the spiritual reality behind dull matter.
FAQs
In Bhagavatam 11.8.8, attachment to women, gold, ornaments, and luxury is described as Māyā-made delusion; when one pursues them for enjoyment, discrimination is lost and one is ruined—like a moth rushing into fire.
The verse uses the moth as an image of self-destruction through attraction: just as a moth dies by chasing the flame, a person can destroy his spiritual life by chasing sense pleasure without discernment.
Practice mindful restraint: reduce luxury-driven consumption, avoid situations that inflame lust and greed, and replace the enjoyment mentality with devotional purpose—using wealth and relationships in service to Bhagavān rather than for egoic pleasure.