Text 41] The Movements of the Living Entities 1357

PURPORT

Sometimes it happens that a rejected well is covered by grass, and an
unwary traveler who does not know of the existence of the well falls
down, and his death is assured. Similarly, association with a woman
begins when one accepts service from her because woman is especially
created by the Lord to give service to man. By accepting her service, a
man is entrapped. If he is not intelligent enough to know that she is the
gateway to hellish life, he may indulge in her association very liberally. This
is restricted for those who aspire to ascend to the transcendental platform.
Even fifty years ago in Hindu society, such association was restricted. A
wife could not see her husband during the daytime. Householders even had
different residential quarters. The internal quarters of a residential house
were for the woman, and the external quarters were for the man. Accep-
tance of service rendered by a woman may appear to be very pleasing, but
one should be very cautious in accepting such service because it is clearly
said that woman is the gateway to death, or forgetfulness of one’s self.
She blocks the path of spiritual realization.

TEXT 41

at aad ofa meeTTATaT ATTA |
ated ataga: sat Premearerey 18211

yar manyate patim mohan
man-mayam rsabhayatim

stritvam stri-sangatah prapto
vittdpatya-grha-pradam

yam—which; manyate—she thinks; patim—her husband; mohdt—due to
illusion; mat-m@yam—My maya; rsabha—in the form of a man; dyatim—
coming;-stritvam—the state of being a woman; stri-sangatah—from attach-
ment to a woman; praptah—obtained; vitta—wealth; apatya—progeny;
grha—house; pradam—bestowing.

TRANSLATION

A living entity who, as a result of attachment to a woman in his previous
life, has been endowed with the form of a woman, foolishly looks upon
maya in the form of a man, her husband, as the bestower of wealth,
progeny, house and other material assets.
