Text 17] Lord Rsabhadeva’s Teachings 187
TRANSLATION

Due to ignorance, the materialistic person does not know any-
thing about his real self-interest, the auspicious path in life. He is
simply bound to material enjoyment by lusty desires, and all his
plans are made for this purpose. For temporary sense gratification,
such a person creates a society of envy, and due to this mentality,
he plunges into the ocean of suffering. Such a foolish person does
not even know about this.

PURPORT

The word nasta-drstih, meaning “‘one who has no eyes to see the
future.” is very significant in this verse. Life goes on from one body to
another, and the activities performed in this life are enjoyed or suffered
in the next life, if not later in this life. One who is unintelligent. who has
no eyes to see the future, simply creates enmity and fights with others for
sense gratification. As a result, one suffers in the next life. but due to
being like a blind man, he continues to act in such a way that he suffers
unlimitedly. Such a person is a miidha, one who simply wastes his time
and does not understand the Lord’s devotional service. As stated in
Bhagavad-gita (7.25):

naham prakasah sarvasya
yogamayda-samavrtah
midho ’yam nabhijanati
loko mam ajam avyayam
“| am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them | am
covered by My eternal creative potency [ yogaméyal: and so the deluded
world knows Me not, who am unborn and infallible.”

In the Katha Upanisad it is also said: avidyaéydm antare vartamanah
svayam dhirah panditam manyamanaéh. Although ignorant. people still
go to other blind men for leadership. As a result. both are subjected to
miserable conditions. The blind lead the blind into the ditch.

TEXT 17
aed aa aghast farafag
c
afarnaeat =| TATA |
