Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 9.19.17 · one of the 108 chosen verses
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyNever Underestimate the Strength of the Senses
“One should not allow oneself to sit on the same seat even with one’s own mother, sister or daughter, for the senses are so strong that even though one is very advanced in knowledge, he may be attracted by sex.”
What the purport teaches
- The senses are so strong that even a learned or spiritually advanced person may be disturbed by sexual attraction.
- The verse warns against sitting closely on the same seat even with one’s mother, sister or daughter. The purport notes that such attraction is generally absent but still urges caution.
- Knowing proper etiquette does not itself remove sexual attraction. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu demonstrated strict care in His dealings with women, especially after accepting sannyāsa.
Try this today
Today, maintain respectful physical space in your dealings rather than relying on confidence in your self-control.
Ask yourself
Do I assume that knowledge or spiritual progress makes careful boundaries unnecessary?
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.