242 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 1, Ch. 5
foreseen by Narada, and therefore he condemned such literatures. The
flesh-eaters still continue to perform animal sacrifice before some demigod
or goddess in the name of religion because in some of the Vedic literatures
such regulated sacrifice is recommended. They are so recommended to dis-
courage flesh-eating, but gradually the purpose of such religious activities
is forgotten, and the slaughterhouse becomes prominent. This is because
foolish materialistic men do not care to listen to others who are actually in
a position to explain the Vedic rites.

In the Vedas it is distinctly said that the perfection of life is never to be
attained either by voluminous work, or by accumulation of wealth or even
by increasing the number of population. But it is so attained only by
renunciation. The materialistic men do not care to listen to such injunc-
tions. According to them, the so-called renounced order of life is meant for
those who are unable to earn their livelihood because of some corporeal
defects, or for persons who have failed to achieve prosperity in family life.

In histories like the Mahabharata, of course, there are topics on tran-
scendental subjects along with material topics. The Bhagavad-gita is there
in the Mahabharata. The whole idea of the Mahabharata is culminated in
the ultimate instructions of the Bhagavad-gita, that one should relinquish
all other engagements and should engage oneself solely and fully in sur-
rendering unto the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krsna. But men with materialistic
tendencies are more attracted to politics, economics and philanthropic
activities mentioned in the Mahabharata than to the principal topic,
namely the Bhagavad-gita. This compromising spirit of Vydasadeva is
directly condemned by Narada, who advises him to directly proclaim that
the prime necessity of human life is to realize one’s eternal relation with
the Lord and thus surrender unto Him without delay.

A patient suffering from a particular type of malady is almost always
inclined to accept eatables which are forbidden for him. The expert
physician does not make any compromise with the patient by allowing
him to take partially what he should not at all take. In the Bhagavad-gita
it is also said that a man attached to fruitive work should not be discour-
aged from his occupation, for gradually he may be elevated to the position
of self-realization. This is sometimes applicable for those who are only dry
empiric philosophers without spiritual realization. But those who are in
the devotional line need not be always so advised.

TEXT 16
frraviisentt afd frit
ATMA fratta: Fay |
