Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.8.14
Mukti· LiberationSensual Exploitation Brings Danger
“A man possessing intelligent discrimination should not under any circumstances try to exploit the beautiful form of a woman for his sense gratification. Just as an elephant trying to enjoy a she-elephant is killed by other bull elephants also enjoying her company, one trying to enjoy a lady’s company can at any moment be killed by her other lovers who are stronger than he.”
What the purport teaches
- A person with intelligent discrimination should not exploit a woman’s beauty for sense gratification.
- An elephant seeking a she-elephant’s company may be killed by stronger rival elephants. The verse uses this example to show the danger of competing for sensual enjoyment.
- Jealous rivals may turn violent, and the purport points to crimes of passion. Such danger is another disadvantage of material life.
Try this today
Notice one appearance-focused thought today and consciously decline to dwell on it for sensual enjoyment.
Ask yourself
How can I exercise discrimination instead of treating another person as a source of enjoyment?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.