# The problem of sense gratification *The pursuit of sense gratification lies at the root of material bondage. Although the conditioned soul tirelessly seeks pleasure through the senses, such enjoyment is temporary, unsatisfying, and ultimately leads to suffering. The Vedic scriptures compare material sense gratification to "chewing the chewed" — an endless cycle that never brings fulfillment. Human life is meant for higher purposes, and those who dedicate their energy solely to sense pleasure waste their valuable human birth.* ## Human Life Is Not Meant for Sense Gratification ![[sb/5/5/1]] ![[sb/7/6/3]] ## Sense Gratification Binds the Soul ![[bg/3/39]] ![[sb/5/5/4]] ## Sense Gratification Is Like Chewing the Chewed ![[sb/7/5/30]] ![[sb/4/26/8]] ## Intelligent Persons Avoid Sense Gratification ![[bg/5/22]] ![[sb/7/7/39]] ## Devotional Service Is Superior to Sense Gratification ![[cc/madhya/19/164]] ![[cc/adi/8/17]] ## Freedom from Sense Gratification Through Krishna Consciousness ![[bg/2/59]] ![[sb/7/6/26]] ## From the Index - [[index/entries/sense-gratification|Sense Gratification]] — Bondage through the senses - [[index/entries/lust|Lust]] — The driving force - [[index/entries/detachment|Detachment]] — Freedom from material desires