SB 10.8.10
sri-nanda uvaca
alaksito ’smin rahasi
mamakair api go-vraje
kuru dvijati-samskaram
svasti-vacana-purvakam
Translation by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada:
Nanda Maharaja said: My dear great sage, if you think that your performing this process of purification will make Kamsa suspicious, then secretly chant the Vedic hymns and perform the purifying process of second birth here in the cow shed of my house, without the knowledge of anyone else, even my relatives, for this process of purification is essential.
Purport by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada:
Nanda Maharaja did not like the idea of avoiding the purificatory process. Despite the many obstacles, he wanted to take advantage of Garga Muni’s presence and do what was needed. The purificatory process is essential specifically for brahmanas, ksatriyas and vaisyas. Therefore, since Nanda Maharaja presented himself as a vaisya, this process of purification was essential. Formerly, such institutional activities were compulsory. Catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah (Bg. 4.13). Without these activities of purification, the society would be considered a society of animals. To take advantage of Garga Muni’s presence, Nanda Maharaja wanted to perform the nama-karana ceremonies, even secretly, without any gorgeous arrangements. Therefore, the opportunity for purification should be regarded as the essential duty of human society. In Kali-yuga, however, people have forgotten the essence. Mandah sumanda-matayo manda-bhagya hy upadrutah (Bhag. 1.1.10). In this age, people are all bad and unfortunate, and they do not accept Vedic instructions to make their life successful. Nanda Maharaja, however, did not want to neglect anything. To keep intact a happy society advanced in spiritual knowledge, he took full advantage of Garga Muni’s presence to do what was necessary. How degraded society has become within five thousand years. Mandah sumanda-matayo manda-bhagyah. The human life is obtained after many, many millions of births, and it is intended for purification. Previously, a father was eager to give all kinds of help to elevate his children, but at present, because of being misguided, people are prepared even to kill to avoid the responsibility of raising children.