Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 64
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
नारद उवाच राजन् किं ध्यायसे दीर्घं मुखेन परिशुष्यता । किं वा न रिष्यते कामो धर्मो वार्थेन संयुत: ॥ ६४ ॥
nārada uvāca rājan kiṁ dhyāyase dīrghaṁ mukhena pariśuṣyatā kiṁ vā na riṣyate kāmo dharmo vārthena saṁyutaḥ
那罗陀说道：大王，你为何长久沉思？你的面容似乎枯槁。难道你在履行达摩、求取阿尔塔与满足迦摩之道上受了阻碍，或是与阿尔塔相连的达摩或迦摩正在衰减吗？
The four stages of advancement of human civilization are religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and, for some, the stage of liberation. Nārada Muni did not inquire from the King about his liberation, but only regarding the state management, which is meant for advancement of the three principles religiosity, economic development and sense gratification. Since those who engage in such activities are not interested in liberation, Nārada did not inquire from the King about this. Liberation is meant for persons who have lost all interest in religious ritualistic ceremonies, economic development and sense gratification.
FAQs
This verse notes that in the material world desires are often obstructed, and even religious acts can be harmed when they are driven by worldly profit rather than pure devotion.
Seeing the young prince absorbed in grief and ambition, Nārada challenges his brooding and redirects him from frustrated material aims toward higher spiritual purpose.
When goals repeatedly fail, examine motives: if spirituality is pursued mainly for gain, it weakens; shift toward sincere devotion and inner transformation rather than external results.