Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.9.45
Ūti· What drives us to actFind Lasting Pleasure in Serving Kṛṣṇa
“Sex life is compared to the rubbing of two hands to relieve an itch. Gṛhamedhis, so-called gṛhasthas who have no spiritual knowledge, think that this itching is the greatest platform of happiness, although actually it is a source of distress. The kṛpaṇas, the fools who are just the opposite of brāhmaṇas, are not satisfied by repeated sensuous enjoyment. Those who are dhīra, however, who are sober and who tolerate this itching, are not subjected to the sufferings of fools and rascals.”
What the purport teaches
- Sexual enjoyment is compared to scratching an itch: it seems pleasing but brings further distress. Repeated sense gratification does not satisfy the person seeking happiness through it.
- Human life is a great asset because one can fulfill the goal of existence in it. Prahlāda Mahārāja advises us to be sober, tolerate sensual urges and become Kṛṣṇa conscious.
- By submitting to Kṛṣṇa’s lotus feet, one can overcome the influence of material nature. Loving service to Kṛṣṇa brings ever-new spiritual pleasure.
Try this today
When a desire for sense gratification arises today, pause rather than immediately following it, and spend a minute remembering Kṛṣṇa.
Ask yourself
Where am I seeking repeated enjoyment that leaves me unsatisfied?
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.