Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 18
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
सन्तुष्ट: केन वा राजन्न वर्तेतापि वारिणा । औपस्थ्यजैह्व्यकार्पण्याद्गृहपालायते जन: ॥ १८ ॥
santuṣṭaḥ kena vā rājan na vartetāpi vāriṇā aupasthya-jaihvya-kārpaṇyād gṛha-pālāyate janaḥ
اے بادشاہ! قناعت شعار آدمی تو صرف پانی پی کر بھی خوش رہ سکتا ہے۔ مگر جو حواس کا غلام ہے—خصوصاً زبان اور شرمگاہ کا—وہ اپنی خواہشات پوری کرنے کے لیے گھر کے کتے کی طرح غلامی قبول کر لیتا ہے۔
According to the śāstras, a brāhmaṇa, or a cultured person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, will not enter anyone’s service to maintain body and soul together, and especially not for satisfaction of the senses. A true brāhmaṇa is always satisfied. Even if he has nothing to eat, he can drink a little water and be satisfied. This is only a matter of practice. Unfortunately, however, no one is educated in how to be satisfied in self-realization. As explained above, a devotee is always satisfied because he feels the presence of the Supersoul within his heart and thinks of Him twenty-four hours a day. That is real satisfaction. A devotee is never driven by the dictations of the tongue and genitals, and thus he is never victimized by the laws of material nature.
FAQs
This verse says that bondage to household life often arises from the petty cravings of the tongue and genitals; true satisfaction makes one capable of living very simply.
Prahlāda instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on the duties and mindset of a civilized, spiritually focused householder—warning that uncontrolled senses can reduce one to mere domestic servitude.
Practice moderation in eating and sexuality, simplify needs, and redirect energy toward sādhana and service—so home supports spiritual life rather than enslaving it.