Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 8
The Deliverance of Nalakūvara and Maṇigrīva
Yamala-Arjuna Līlā Prelude and Culmination
श्रीनारद उवाच न ह्यन्यो जुषतो जोष्यान्बुद्धिभ्रंशो रजोगुण: । श्रीमदादाभिजात्यादिर्यत्र स्त्री द्यूतमासव: ॥ ८ ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca na hy anyo juṣato joṣyān buddhi-bhraṁśo rajo-guṇaḥ śrī-madād ābhijātyādir yatra strī dyūtam āsavaḥ
那罗陀牟尼说：在一切物质享乐的诱惑中，财富之诱最能迷乱人的智慧，甚于美貌、贵族出身与学识。若人无知却因财而自负，便把钱财耗在酒、色与赌博之中。
Among the three modes of material nature — goodness, passion and ignorance — people are certainly conducted by the lower qualities, namely passion and ignorance, and especially by passion. Conducted by the mode of passion, one becomes more and more involved in material existence. Therefore human life is meant for subduing the modes of passion and ignorance and advancing in the mode of goodness.
FAQs
This verse states that rajo-guna is a major cause of buddhi-bhraṁśa—bewilderment and downfall of intelligence—especially for those absorbed in sense enjoyment.
He lists them as common expressions of passion and pride that accompany opulence and false prestige, and that strongly distract the mind from dharma and devotion.
By recognizing how passion-driven habits and pride cloud judgment, one can intentionally cultivate sattva through discipline, good association, and bhakti practices that reduce lust, addiction, and reckless risk-taking.