Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
शूद्रा: प्रतिग्रहीष्यन्ति तपोवेषोपजीविन: । धर्मं वक्ष्यन्त्यधर्मज्ञा अधिरुह्योत्तमासनम् ॥ ३८ ॥
śūdrāḥ pratigrahīṣyanti tapo-veṣopajīvinaḥ dharmaṁ vakṣyanty adharma-jñā adhiruhyottamāsanam
在迦利时代，粗鄙之人将以苦行为饰、披僧衣而受施求生；不知达摩者却登高座，自以为能宣说宗教法则。
The epidemic of bogus gurus, swamis, priests and so forth is explicitly described here.
FAQs
This verse warns that in Kali-yuga people who do not truly know dharma will sit on prestigious seats and preach, while living off religious appearance rather than genuine austerity and realization.
Śukadeva speaks to Parīkṣit about the coming age’s degradation so the king—and listeners—can understand the nature of Kali-yuga and take shelter of authentic bhakti and true dharma rather than external show.
Evaluate spiritual guidance by character, consistency, and service to truth—not by dress, title, platform, or popularity; seek dharma rooted in devotion, integrity, and scriptural understanding.