68 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 7, Ch. 12

grhastha, however, is given permission by the spiritual master to
indulge in sex during the period favorable for procreation.

PURPORT

It is sometimes misunderstood that a grhastha, a householder, is per-
mitted to indulge in sex at any time. This is a wrong conception of
grhastha life. In spiritual life, whether one is a grhastha, vanaprastha,
sannyasi or brahmacari, everyone is under the control of the spiritual
master. For brahmacaris and sannydsis there are strong restrictions on
sexual indulgence. Similarly, there are strong restrictions for grhasthas.
Grhasthas should indulge in sex life only in accordance with the order of
the guru. Therefore it is mentioned here that one must follow the orders
of the spiritual master (guru-vrttir vikalpena). When the spiritual master
orders, the grhastha may accept sex life. This is confirmed in Bhagavad-
gita (7.11). Dharmaéviruddho bhiitesu kamo ’smi: indulgence in sex life
without disobedience to the religious rules and regulations constitutes a
religious principle. The grhastha is allowed to indulge in sex life during
the period favorable for procreation and in accordance with the spiritual
master’s order. If the spiritual master’s orders allow a grhastha to engage
in sex life at a particular time, then the grhastha may do so; otherwise, if
the spiritual master orders against it, the grhastha should abstain. The
grhastha must obtain permission from the spiritual master to observe the
ritualistic ceremony of garbhddhdna-sarskara. Then he may approach
his wife to beget children, otherwise not. A brahmana generally remains
a brahmacari throughout his entire life, but although some bréhmanas
become grhasthas and indulge in sex life, they do so under the complete
control of the spiritual master. The ksatriya is allowed to marry more
than one wife, but this also must be in accordance with the instructions
of the spiritual master. It is not that because one is a grhastha he may
marry as many times as he likes and indulge in sex life as he likes. This
is not spiritual life. In spiritual life, one must conduct one’s whole life
under the guidance of the guru. Only one who executes his spiritual life
under the direction of the spiritual master can achieve the mercy of
Krsna. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasddah. If one desires to advance in
spiritual life but he acts whimsically, not following the orders of the
spiritual master, he has no shelter. Yasydéprasddan na gatih kuto ‘pi.
