TEXT 45
yan maithunadi-grhamedhi-sukham hi tuccham
kanduyanena karayor iva duhkha-duhkham
trpyanti neha krpana bahu-duhkha-bhajah
kandutivan manasijam visaheta dhirah
SYNONYMS
yatthat which (is meant for material sense gratification); maithuna-adirepresented by talking of sex, reading sexual literature or enjoying sex life (at home or outside, as in a club); grhamedhi-sukhamall types of material happiness based on attachment to family, society, friendship, etc.; hiindeed; tucchaminsignificant; kanduyanenawith the itching; karayohof the two hands (to relieve the itching); ivalike; duhkha-duhkhamdifferent types of unhappiness (into which one is put after such itching sense gratification); trpyantibecome satisfied; nanever; ihain material sense gratification; krpanahthe foolish persons; bahu-duhkha-bhajahsubjected to various types of material unhappiness; kanduti-vatif one can learn from such itching; manasi-jamwhich is simply a mental concoction (actually there is no happiness); visahetaand tolerates (such itching); dhirah(he can become) a most perfect, sober person.
TRANSLATION
Sex life is compared to the rubbing of two hands to relieve an itch. Grhamedhis, so-called grhasthas who have no spiritual knowledge, think that this itching is the greatest platform of happiness, although actually it is a source of distress. The krpanas, the fools who are just the opposite of brahmanas, are not satisfied by repeated sensuous enjoyment. Those who are dhira, however, who are sober and who tolerate this itching, are not subjected to the sufferings of fools and rascals.
PURPORT
Materialists think that sexual indulgence is the greatest happiness in this material world, and therefore they make elaborate plans to satisfy their senses, especially the genitals. This is generally found everywhere, and specifically found in the Western world, where there are regular arrangements to satisfy sex life in different ways. Actually, however, this has not made anyone happy. Even the hippies, who have given up all the materialistic comforts of their fathers and grandfathers, cannot give up the sensational happiness of sex life. Such persons are described here as krpanas, misers. The human form of life is a great asset, for in this life one can fulfill the goal of existence. Unfortunately, however, because of a lack of education and culture, people are victimized by the false happiness of sex life. Prahlada Maharaja therefore advises one not to be misled by this civilization of sense gratification, and especially not by sex life. Rather, one should be sober, avoid sense gratification and be Krsna conscious. The lusty person, who is compared to a foolish miser, never gets happiness by sense gratification. The influence of material nature is very difficult to surpass, but as stated by Krsna in Bhagavad-gita (7.14), mam eva ye prapadyante, mayam etam taranti te: if one voluntarily submits to the lotus feet of Krsna, he can be saved very easily.
In reference to the low-grade happiness of sex life, Yamunacarya says in this connection:
yadavadhi mama cetah krsna-padaravinde
nava-nava-rasa-dhamanudyata rantum asit
tadavadhi bata nari-sangame smaryamane
bhavati mukha-vikarah sustu nisthivanam ca
Since I have been engaged in the transcendental loving service of Krsna, realizing ever-new pleasure in Him, whenever I think of sex pleasure, I spit at the thought, and my lips curl with distaste. Yamunacarya had formerly been a great king who enjoyed sexual happiness in various ways, but since he later engaged himself in the service of the Lord, he enjoyed spiritual bliss and hated to think of sex life. If sexual thoughts came to him, he would spit with disgust.

Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/7/9/45

Previous: SB 7.9.44     Next: SB 7.9.46

If you Love Me Distribute My Books -- Srila Prabhupada