Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 13
Paramparā of the Atharva Veda and Purāṇas; Definition of a Purāṇa
Daśa-lakṣaṇam
वृत्तिर्भूतानि भूतानां चराणामचराणि च । कृता स्वेन नृणां तत्र कामाच्चोदनयापि वा ॥ १३ ॥
vṛttir bhūtāni bhūtānāṁ carāṇām acarāṇi ca kṛtā svena nṛṇāṁ tatra kāmāc codanayāpi vā
Vṛtti means the process of sustenance, by which the moving beings live upon the nonmoving. For a human, vṛtti specifically means acting for one’s livelihood in a manner suited to his personal nature. Such action may be carried out either in pursuit of selfish desire or in accordance with the law of God.
FAQs
This verse states that humans act either from personal desire (kāma) or from codanā—scriptural prompting—highlighting the choice between impulse-based action and dharma-guided action.
He distinguishes ordinary conditioned behavior from dharmic conduct, showing that unlike other beings acting mainly by nature, humans have the distinct capacity to align life with śāstra and higher purpose.
Before acting, pause to see whether the motive is mere craving or a principled duty; then choose habits and decisions that are aligned with dharma and devotion rather than impulsive desire.