Bhagvat- principles of the four ashramas-25th May

Srimad Bhagvatam

TRANSLATION
Those who have been reformed by the garbhadhana ceremony and other prescribed reformatory methods, performed with Vedic mantras and without interruption, and who have been approved by Lord Brahma, are dvijas, or twice-born. Such brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaisyas, purified by their family traditions and by their behavior, should worship the Lord, study the Vedas and give charity. In this system, they should follow the principles of the four ashramas [brahmacharya, grhastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa].

PURPORT
After giving a general list of thirty qualifications for one's behavior, Narada Muni now describes the principles of the four varnas and four ashramas. A human being must be trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, he is not even a human being.

Then, among such qualified persons, the varnasrama process should be introduced. In the varnasrama system, the first ceremony for purification is garbhadhana, which is performed with mantras at the time of sex for propagating a good child.

One who uses sex life not for sensual pleasures but only to beget children according to the reformatory method is also accepted as a brahmachari. One should not waste semen on sensual pleasure, violating the principles of Vedic life. Restraint in sex is possible, however, only when the populace is trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, it is not possible. Even if one is born in a family of dvijas, or twice-born, if they have not followed the reformatory process he is called a dvija-bandhu—not one of the twice-born, but a friend of the twice-born. The whole purpose of this system is to create good population.

As stated in Bhagavad-gita, when women are polluted the populace is varna-sankara, and when the varna-sankara population increases, the situation of the entire world becomes hellish. Therefore, all the Vedic literatures strongly warn against creating varna-sankara population.

When there is varna-sankara population, the people cannot be properly controlled for peace and prosperity, regardless of great legislative assemblies, parliaments and similar bodies.

Bhagvat- principles of the four ashramas-25th May

Srimad Bhagvatam

TRANSLATION
Those who have been reformed by the garbhadhana ceremony and other prescribed reformatory methods, performed with Vedic mantras and without interruption, and who have been approved by Lord Brahma, are dvijas, or twice-born. Such brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaisyas, purified by their family traditions and by their behavior, should worship the Lord, study the Vedas and give charity. In this system, they should follow the principles of the four ashramas [brahmacharya, grhastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa].

PURPORT
After giving a general list of thirty qualifications for one's behavior, Narada Muni now describes the principles of the four varnas and four ashramas. A human being must be trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, he is not even a human being.

Then, among such qualified persons, the varnasrama process should be introduced. In the varnasrama system, the first ceremony for purification is garbhadhana, which is performed with mantras at the time of sex for propagating a good child.

One who uses sex life not for sensual pleasures but only to beget children according to the reformatory method is also accepted as a brahmachari. One should not waste semen on sensual pleasure, violating the principles of Vedic life. Restraint in sex is possible, however, only when the populace is trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, it is not possible. Even if one is born in a family of dvijas, or twice-born, if they have not followed the reformatory process he is called a dvija-bandhu—not one of the twice-born, but a friend of the twice-born. The whole purpose of this system is to create good population.

As stated in Bhagavad-gita, when women are polluted the populace is varna-sankara, and when the varna-sankara population increases, the situation of the entire world becomes hellish. Therefore, all the Vedic literatures strongly warn against creating varna-sankara population.

When there is varna-sankara population, the people cannot be properly controlled for peace and prosperity, regardless of great legislative assemblies, parliaments and similar bodies.

Bhagvat Gita shloka 2.60

Bhagvad Gita (shloka 2.60):

TRANSLATION
THE SENSES ARE SO STRONG AND IMPETUOUS, O ARJUNA, THAT THEY FORCIBLY CARRY AWAY THE MIND EVEN OF A MAN OF DISCRIMINATION WHO IS ENDEAVORING TO CONTROL THEM.

PURPORT
There are many learned sages, philosophers and transcendentalists who try to conquer the senses, but in spite of their endeavors, even the greatest of them sometimes fall victim to material sense enjoyment due to the agitated mind.

Even Visvamitra, a great sage and perfect yogi, was misled by Menaka into sex enjoyment, although the yogi was endeavoring for sense control with severe types of penance and yoga practice.

And, of course, there are so many similar instances in the history of the world.

THEREFORE, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE MIND AND THE SENSES WITHOUT BEING FULLY KRSNA CONSCIOUS.

Without engaging the mind in Krsna, one cannot cease such material engagements.

A practical example is given by Sri Yamunacarya, a great saint and devotee, who says: "Since my mind has been engaged in the service of the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, and I have been enjoying an ever new transcendental humor, whenever I think of sex life with a woman, my face at once turns from it, and I spit at the thought."

KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS IS SUCH A TRANSCENDENTALLY NICE THING THAT AUTOMATICALLY MATERIAL ENJOYMENT BECOMES DISTASTEFUL.

IT IS AS IF A HUNGRY MAN HAD SATISFIED HIS HUNGER BY A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF NUTRITIOUS EATABLES.

MAHARAJA AMBARISA ALSO CONQUERED A GREAT YOGI, DURVASA MUNI, SIMPLY BECAUSE HIS MIND WAS ENGAGED IN KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS.