narada uvaca

rajan kim dhyayase dirgham

mukhena parisusyata

kim va na risyate kamo

dharmo varthena samyutah

 

Translation by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada: 

 

The great sage Narada inquired: My dear King, your face appears to be withering up, and you look like you have been thinking of something for a very long time. Why is that? Have you been hampered in following your path of religious rites, economic development and sense gratification?

 

Purport by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada:

 

The four stages of advancement of human civilization are religiosity, economic development, sense gratification and, for some, the stage of liberation. Narada Muni did not inquire from the King about his liberation, but only regarding the state management, which is meant for advancement of the three principles religiosity, economic development and sense gratification. Since those who engage in such activities are not interested in liberation, Narada did not inquire from the King about this. Liberation is meant for persons who have lost all interest in religious ritualistic ceremonies, economic development and sense gratification.