Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 27
Karma-vāda Critiqued, Varṇāśrama Reframed, and the Soul’s Distinction from the Body
यद्यधर्मरत: सङ्गादसतां वाजितेन्द्रिय: । कामात्मा कृपणो लुब्ध: स्त्रैणो भूतविहिंसक: ॥ २७ ॥ पशूनविधिनालभ्य प्रेतभूतगणान् यजन् । नरकानवशो जन्तुर्गत्वा यात्युल्बणं तम: ॥ २८ ॥ कर्माणि दु:खोदर्काणि कुर्वन् देहेन तै: पुन: । देहमाभजते तत्र किं सुखं मर्त्यधर्मिण: ॥ २९ ॥
yady adharma-rataḥ saṅgād asatāṁ vājitendriyaḥ kāmātmā kṛpaṇo lubdhaḥ straiṇo bhūta-vihiṁsakaḥ
若人因恶友相随或不能制御诸根而沉溺于非法之业（adharma），其心必为物欲所充：悭吝、贪婪、迷恋女色，并对众生起暴虐之行。违背吠陀法度，为感官之乐而屠戮无辜禽兽，又祭祀鬼魅（preta、bhūta）；迷惑的灵我（jīva）遂堕地狱，得被最深沉的暗性（tamas）所染之身。于此卑劣之身中，他仍造招苦之不祥业，令后患更增，复又一再受同类之身——从事必以死亡为终的行为者，何来幸福？
In the Vedic analysis of civilized life there are two paths. One who takes to the path of nivṛtti-mārga immediately renounces material sense gratification and purifies his existence by performance of austerity and devotional activities. On the path of pravṛtti-mārga one furnishes a steady supply of sense objects to the senses, but one consumes such sense objects under strict regulations and through ritualistic ceremonies, thus gradually purifying the heart and satiating the material senses. Unfortunately, as explained in this and the previous verse, the path of pravṛtti-mārga is extremely volatile because rather than becoming detached, the living entity often becomes uncontrolled and fully addicted to further sense gratification. In the previous verse the path of regulated, authorized sense gratification was described, and in this verse the path of unauthorized, demoniac sense gratification is described.
FAQs
It warns that association with the wicked can push a person into irreligion, uncontrolled senses, lust, greed, and violence—qualities that lead to severe karmic consequences.
While instructing Uddhava, Krishna explains how degradation begins through asat-saṅga and how such habits bind the soul through sinful karma, obstructing liberation and devotion.
Choose uplifting company, regulate the senses, avoid exploitative sexuality and cruelty, and cultivate habits that support compassion, self-control, and devotion.