—json {

  "name":"SB 7.15.18",
  "h1":"SB 7.15.18",
  "label":"Text 18",
  "title":"Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 7.15.18",
  "description":"My dear King, a self-satisfied person can be happy even with only drinking water. However, one who is driven by the senses, especially by the tongue and genitals, must accept the position of a household dog to satisfy his senses."

} —

SB 7.15.18

Text

santuṣṭaḥ kena vā rājan
na vartetāpi vāriṇā
aupasthya-jaihvya-kārpaṇyād
gṛha-pālāyate janaḥ

Synonyms

santuṣṭaḥ—a person who is always self-satisfied; kena—why; vā—or; rājan—O King; na—not; varteta—should live (happily); api—even; vāriṇā—by drinking water; aupasthya—due to the genitals; jaihvya—and the tongue; kārpaṇyāt—because of a wretched or miserly condition; gṛha-pālāyate—he becomes exactly like a household dog; janaḥ—such a person.

Translation

My dear King, a self-satisfied person can be happy even with only drinking water. However, one who is driven by the senses, especially by the tongue and genitals, must accept the position of a household dog to satisfy his senses.

Purport

According to the śāstras, a brāhmaṇa, or a cultured person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, will not enter anyone's service to maintain body and soul together, and especially not for satisfaction of the senses. A true brāhmaṇa is always satisfied. Even if he has nothing to eat, he can drink a little water and be satisfied. This is only a matter of practice. Unfortunately, however, no one is educated in how to be satisfied in self-realization. As explained above, a devotee is always satisfied because he feels the presence of the Supersoul within his heart and thinks of Him twenty-four hours a day. That is real satisfaction. A devotee is never driven by the dictations of the tongue and genitals, and thus he is never victimized by the laws of material nature.