Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 6
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
सुशीलो मितभुग्दक्ष: श्रद्दधानो जितेन्द्रिय: । यावदर्थं व्यवहरेत् स्त्रीषु स्त्रीनिर्जितेषु च ॥ ६ ॥
suśīlo mita-bhug dakṣaḥ śraddadhāno jitendriyaḥ yāvad-arthaṁ vyavaharet strīṣu strī-nirjiteṣu ca
梵行者应端正温良，饮食与取用不过度，且勤敏善巧；对上师与经典之教诲具足信心，制伏诸根。与女子或受女子所制者，只应按所需而交往。
A brahmacārī should be very careful not to mix with women or with men addicted to women. Although when he goes out to beg alms it is necessary to talk with women and with men very much attached to women, this association should be very short, and he should talk with them only about begging alms, and not more. A brahmacārī should be very careful in associating with men who are attached to women.
FAQs
This verse teaches that a spiritually grounded person should be self-controlled, moderate in habits, and guided by faith—keeping interactions that stimulate lust strictly within the limits of duty.
In the context of varṇāśrama guidance, he highlights that uncontrolled association fuels sense agitation and distracts the mind from dharma and devotion; therefore, one should keep such dealings only as required and avoid corrupting company.
Practice moderation (food, media, habits), choose uplifting company, set clear boundaries in relationships, and keep interactions aligned with responsibility and spiritual goals rather than impulse.