58 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 10, Ch. 13

formed according to the association of the material qualities. Kara-
nam guna-sarigo ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu (Bg. 13.22). Sat and asat-
svabhadva—one’s higher or lower nature —is formed by association with
the different qualities, namely sattva-guna, rajo-guna and tamo-guna.
We should gradually come to the sattva-guna, so that we may avoid the
two lower gunas. This can be done if we regularly discuss Srimad-
Bhagavatam and hear about Krsna’s activities. Nasta-prayesv abhadresu
nityam bhdgavata-sevayd (Bhag. 1.2.18). All the activities of Krsna
described in Srimad-Bhagavatam, beginning even with the pastimes
concerning Piitana, are transcendental. Therefore, by hearing and dis-
cussing Srimad-Bhagavatam, the rajo-guna and tamo-guna are sub-
dued, so that only sattva-guna remains. Then rajo-guna and tamo-guna
cannot do us any harm.

Varndsrama-dharma, therefore, is essential, for it can bring peo-
ple to sattva-guna. Tada rajas-tamo-bhavah kama-lobhddayas ca ye
(Bhég. 1.2.19). Tamo-guna and rajo-guna increase lust and greed,
which implicate a living entity in such a way that he must exist in this
material world in many, many forms. That is very dangerous. One
should therefore be brought to sattva-guna by the establishment of var-
ndsrama-dharma and should develop the brahminical qualifications of
being very neat and clean, rising early in the morning and seeing
margala-dratrika, and so on. In this way, one should stay in sattva-
guna, and then one cannot be influenced by tamo-guna and rajo-guna.

tada rajas-tamo-bhavah
kama-lobhaddayas ca ye

ceta etair andviddham
sthitam sattve prasidati

(Bhag. 1.2.19)

The opportunity for this purification is the special feature of human life;
in other lives, this is not possible. Such purification can be achieved very
easily by radhd-krsna-bhajana, devotional service rendered to Radha
and Krsna, and therefore Narottama dasa Thakura sings, hari hari
viphale janama gondinu, indicating that unless one worships Radha-
Krsna, one’s human form of life is wasted. Vdsudeve bhagavati
bhakti-yogah prayojitah/ janayaty dsu vairaégyam (Bhag. 1.2.7). By
