Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.14.20
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyRegulated Household Life Helps Conquer the Senses
“As a fort commander very easily conquers invading plunderers, by taking shelter of a wife one can conquer the senses, which are unconquerable in the other social orders.”
What the purport teaches
- The senses are compared to plunderers attacking the body's fort. A faithful wife helps protect the householder from their attacks.
- Those outside household life require strict spiritual training and obedience to resist sexual desire. Merely assuming the position of a brahmacārī is not enough.
- Sex life causes material bondage and is permitted only within the gṛhastha-āśrama. Householders are responsible for producing well-trained brahmacārīs, vānaprasthas and sannyāsīs.
Try this today
Choose one concrete limit on sense enjoyment today and keep it as an exercise in self-control.
Ask yourself
What training and responsibilities help me keep my senses under control?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.