SMB 1.2.8

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Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.8

Sanskrit (Transliteration):
dharmaḥ svanuṣṭhitaḥ puṁsāṁ
viṣvaksena-kathāsu yaḥ
notpādayed yadi ratiṁ
śrama eva hi kevalam

Translation (English):
“The occupational activities (dharma) a person performs, even if perfectly executed, are simply useless labor if they do not awaken attraction (love) for the messages of the Lord.”

(Viṣvaksena is a name of the Lord, referring to Vishnu / Krishna.)

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Meaning:

This verse teaches a central principle of the Bhagavatam:

• Performing one’s duties (dharma) very well is not the ultimate goal.

• The real purpose of all religious and social duties is to awaken rati (deep attraction or devotion) toward hearing about and remembering the Lord.

• If devotion does not develop, then all effort is described as “śrama eva hi kevalam” — simply hard labor with no spiritual profit.

In essence, devotion (bhakti) is the true measure of success in spiritual life.

If you’d like, I can also provide traditional commentary (e.g., from Srila Prabhupada or other acharyas).