SB 11.8.14
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Please note: The synonyms, translation and purport of this verse were composed by disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda
TEXT 14
- nādhigacchet striyaṁ prājñaḥ
- karhicin mṛtyum ātmanaḥ
- balādhikaiḥ sa hanyeta
- gajair anyair gajo yathā
SYNONYMS
na adhigacchet—he should not approach to enjoy; striyam—a woman; prājñaḥ—one who can intelligently discriminate; karhicit—at any time; mṛtyum—death personified; ātmanaḥ—for oneself; bala—in strength; adhikaiḥ—by those who are superior; saḥ—he; hanyeta—will be destroyed; gajaiḥ—by elephants; anyaiḥ—by others; gajaḥ—an elephant; yathā—just as.
Translation and purport composed by disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda
TRANSLATION
A man possessing intelligent discrimination should not under any circumstances try to exploit the beautiful form of a woman for his sense gratification. Just as an elephant trying to enjoy a she-elephant is killed by other bull elephants also enjoying her company, one trying to enjoy a lady's company can at any moment be killed by her other lovers who are stronger than he.
PURPORT
Just as one is enchanted by the beautiful form of a woman, many other men will also be enchanted, and there is danger that they will be stronger than oneself and may even jealously kill one. Crimes of passion are extremely common. This is another disadvantage of material life.