Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Gṛhastha-Dharma: How a Householder Attains Liberation by Offering All to Vāsudeva
त्रिवर्गं नातिकृच्छ्रेण भजेत गृहमेध्यपि । यथादेशं यथाकालं यावद्दैवोपपादितम् ॥ १० ॥
tri-vargaṁ nātikṛcchreṇa bhajeta gṛha-medhy api yathā-deśaṁ yathā-kālaṁ yāvad-daivopapāditam
แม้เป็นคฤหัสถ์ก็ไม่ควรดิ้นรนหนักเกินไปเพื่อธรรมะ อรรถะ และกามะ จงพอใจเลี้ยงกายตามกาลเทศะด้วยสิ่งที่พระผู้เป็นเจ้าประทานด้วยความพยายามน้อย และอย่าเข้าไปข้องเกี่ยวกับอุครกรรมอันรุนแรง
In human life there are four principles to be fulfilled — dharma, artha, kāma and mokṣa (religion, economic development, sense gratification, and liberation). First one should be religious, observing various rules and regulations, and then one must earn some money for maintenance of his family and the satisfaction of his senses. The most important ceremony for sense gratification is marriage because sexual intercourse is one of the principal necessities of the material body. Yan maithunādi-gṛhamedhi-sukhaṁ hi tuccham. Although sexual intercourse is not a very exalted requisite in life, both animals and men require some sense gratification because of material propensities. One should be satisfied with married life and not expend energy for extra sense gratification or sex life.
FAQs
It advises that even a gṛhamedhī should pursue the trivarga moderately—without excessive anxiety or struggle—accepting what comes by providence, aligned with proper time and circumstance.
While describing ideal conduct (especially household duties), Śukadeva instructs Parīkṣit that worldly aims must be regulated and contented, so they do not eclipse higher spiritual progress and devotion.
Work honestly and responsibly, avoid obsessive overexertion driven by greed, keep desires regulated, and cultivate contentment—seeing your livelihood as allotted—while prioritizing spiritual practices.