Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 45
Prāyaścitta, the ‘Elephant Bath’ Problem, and the Opening of Ajāmila-Upākhyāna
येन यावान्यथाधर्मो धर्मो वेह समीहित: । स एव तत्फलं भुङ्क्ते तथा तावदमुत्र वै ॥ ४५ ॥
yena yāvān yathādharmo dharmo veha samīhitaḥ sa eva tat-phalaṁ bhuṅkte tathā tāvad amutra vai
今生所行之善或不善，随其多少与方式，来世必相应地受其业报之乐或苦。
As stated in Bhagavad-gītā (14.18) :
FAQs
This verse states that whatever pious or impious actions one deliberately performs in this life produce corresponding results in the next life, proportionate to the action.
He explains the general law of karma to show what ordinarily awaits sinful and pious persons—setting the background for understanding the extraordinary power of the Lord’s holy name in Ajāmila’s deliverance.
Be intentional about daily choices—cultivate dharma (truthfulness, compassion, self-control) and avoid adharma—knowing that habits and actions shape future suffering or well-being.