सर्वेषामाश्रमाणां च प्रधानः पुण्यवान्गृही
Among all the stages of life, the virtuous householder is foremost.
पितरः पूर्वकाले च तिथिकाले च देवताः
The ancestors in former times, and the deities during the sacred periods,
नित्यं नैमित्तिकं काम्यं कुर्वन्ति गृहिणः सदा 1.23.
Householders always perform daily, occasional, and desired rites.
जीवन्मुक्तो गृहस्थश्च स्वधर्मपरिपालकः
The householder who is liberated while living, is a protector of his own duty.
यशस्वी कीर्तिमान्यो हि मृतो जीवति सन्ततम्
He is renowned and famous; even after death, he lives on continually.
ब्रह्मणो वचनं श्रुत्वा नारदो मुनिसत्तमः
Hearing the words of Brahma, the eminent sage Narada,
नारद उवाच हानिर्बभूव दैवेन महती वाऽयशस्करी
Narada said: A great loss occurred by fate, bringing much disgrace.
मया प्राप्तं च त्वच्छापाद्गान्धर्वं शौद्रमेव च
By your curse, I obtained both Gandharva and Shudra forms.
बभूव शापो मुक्तो मे काले ते भविता विधे
The curse has been lifted from me; in your time, it will be fulfilled, O Creator.
स पिता स गुरुर्बन्धुः स पुत्रः समधीश्वरः
He is father, he is teacher, he is kinsman, he is son, and he is the lord of meditation.
असद्वर्त्मनि चाज्ञानाद्गच्छन्ति यदि बालकाः
If children, out of ignorance, go on a wrong path,
कारयित्वा कृष्णपादे भक्तित्यागं च यः पिता
The father who, after making them surrender at Krishna's feet, renounces attachment,
दारग्रहो हि दुःखाय केवलं न सुखाय च 1.23.
Taking a wife brings only sorrow, not happiness.
योषितस्त्रिविधा ब्रह्मन्गृहिणां मूढचेतसाम्
Women are of three kinds, O Brahma, among householders of deluded minds.
परलोकभिया साध्वी तथेह यशसाऽऽत्मनः
Out of fear for the next world, the virtuous woman acts; likewise, for her own reputation here.
भोग्या भोगार्थिनी शश्वत्कामस्नेहेन केवलम्
She is to be enjoyed, and she seeks enjoyment, always motivated solely by desire and affection.
वस्त्रालंकारसम्भोगसुस्निग्धाहारमुत्तमम्
Fine clothing, ornaments, pleasures, and excellent, rich food.
कुलाङ्गारसमा नारी कुलटा कुलनाशिनी
A woman who is like a stain upon the family is a wanton, a destroyer of her lineage.
सदा पुंयोगमाशंसुर्मनसा मदनातुरा
Always longing for union with men, her mind afflicted by desire.
जारार्थे स्वपतिं तात हन्तुमिच्छति पुंश्चली
For the sake of her lover, O father, the unchaste woman wishes to kill her own husband.
कथिता योषितः सर्वा उत्तमाधममध्यमाः
All women have been described—superior, inferior, and middling.
हृदयं क्षुरधाराभं शरत्पद्मोत्सवं मुखम्
Her heart is like the edge of a razor; her face is like a lotus in autumn.
प्रकोपे विषतुल्यं च विश्वासे सर्वनाशनम् 1.23.
In anger, she is like poison; in trust, she brings total ruin.
सदा तासामविनयः प्रबलं साहसं परम्
They are always without discipline, possessing extreme boldness.
पुंसश्चाष्टगुणः कामः शश्वत्कामो जगद्गुरो
A man's desire is eightfold, O teacher of the world, and is ever constant.
कोपः पुंसः षड्गुणश्च व्यवसायश्च निश्चितम्
A man's anger is sixfold, and his resolve is certain.
का क्रीडा किं सुखं पुंसो विण्मूत्रमलवेश्मनि
What play, what pleasure is there for a man in a house of excrement, urine, and filth?
धनक्षयोऽतिप्रीतौ चात्यासक्तौ च वपुःक्षयः सर्वनाशश्च विश्वासे ब्रह्मन्नारीषु किं सुखम्
Loss of wealth comes from excessive affection; loss of beauty from excessive attachment; total ruin from trust—O Brahman, what happiness is there with women?
यावद्धनी च तेजस्वी सश्रीको योग्यतापरः
As long as he is wealthy, vigorous, fortunate, and possesses ability,
रोगिणं निर्द्धनं वृद्धं योषिद्वै प्रेक्षतेऽप्रियम्
A woman regards a sick, poor, or old man as unpleasant.