Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 11 Chapter 5:11-18

Book 11: Chapter5

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 11: Chapter 5: Verses 11-18

Man is naturally inclined towards the enjoyment of sexual pleasure, flesh and wine. No rules enjoin him to indulge in them. A certain check is provided over these tendencies (by the Sastra) by permitting sexual commerce with one's wedded wife, meat-eating at the end of an animal sacrifice, drinking of wine during a Sautramani sacrifice (in the case of those who are addicted to these); the (real) intention (of the Sastra) is to turn man away from them. The only fruit (proper use) of wealth is Dharma or piety which gives knowledge and direct realization and forthwith leads to supreme peace or Liberation. Those who use wealth (solely) for their own comfort or of their family forget death, the formidable enemy of their body: They do not understand the pure essence of their religion. Only the smelling of wine is sanctioned (in a Sautramani sacrifice) and animal sacrifice is allowed for the adoration of the deities and it is not permissible to kill them for meat. Similarly, sexual relation with one's wife is allowed with the motive of getting an issue and not for the sake of enjoyment. Those who are ignorant of this real Dharma and, though wicked and haughty, account themselves virtuous kill animals without any feeling of remorse or fear of punishment, and are devoured by those very animals in their next birth. Those who hate others, in whom also dwells the same Self or Hari, hate Hari Himself and, being deeply attached to their mortal body and other relations, fall into hell. Those who have not attained the knowledge of real truth but have passed the stage of utter ignorance, and are attached to the threefold objects of existence (Dharma, Artha and Kama), but have no time to pursue the path (of Liberation) are sure to bring about their ruin. They kill their own self, and, being devoid of peace of mind, regard ignorance as knowledge (confuse action for knowledge). They do not experience fulfilment and, being frustrated in their aims and thwarted by the Time-Spirit, become miserable. Those who are averse to the Lord are obliged against their will to forsake their home, wealth, children and friends, gained with great difficulty, and enter the dark hell.

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