96 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 1, Ch. 2
TRANSLATION
All occupational engagements [dharmas] are certainly meant for
ultimate liberation. They should never be performed for material gain.
Furthermore, one who is engaged in the ultimate occupational service
[dharma] should never use material gain to cultivate sense gratification.
PURPORT

We have already discussed that pure devotional service of the Lord is
automatically followed by perfect knowledge and detachment from materi-
al existence. But there are others who consider that all kinds of different
occupational engagements, including those of religion, are meant for
material gain. The general tendency of any ordinary man in any part of the
world is to gain some material profit in exchange for religious or any other
occupational service. Even in the Vedic literatures for all sorts of religious
performances an allurement of material gain is offered, and most people
are attracted by such allurement or blessings of religiosity. Why are such
so-called men of religion allured by material gain? Because material gain
can enable one to fulfill desires, which in turn satisfy sense gratification.
This cycle of occupational engagements includes so-called religiosity fol-
lowed by material gain and material gain followed by fulfillment of desires.
Sense gratification is the general way for all sorts of fully occupied men.
But in the statement of Sita Gosvami, as per the verdict of the Srimad-
Bhagavatam, this is nullified by the present sloka.

One should not engage himself in any sort of occupational service for
material gain only. Nor should material gain be utilized for sense gratifi-
cation. How material gain should be utilized is described as follows.

TEXT 10
ama afaaitftent stta aaa |
°
re target aeat TAS BART (12 ol |
kamasya nendriya-pritir
labho jiveta yavata
Jivasya tattva-jijiasa
nartho yas ceha karmabhih
