Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
न कृष्टपच्यमश्नीयादकृष्टं चाप्यकालत: । अग्निपक्वमथामं वा अर्कपक्वमुताहरेत् ॥ १८ ॥
na kṛṣṭa-pacyam aśnīyād akṛṣṭaṁ cāpy akālataḥ agni-pakvam athāmaṁ vā arka-pakvam utāharet
من كان في طور الفانابراستا لا يأكل الحبوب التي نبتت بحراثة الحقول، ولا يأكل ما نبت بلا حراثة إذا لم يكتمل نضجه. ولا يتناول حبوبًا مطبوخة بالنار أو نيئة؛ بل يقتات فقط على الثمار التي نضجت بأشعة الشمس.
This verse advises regulated acceptance of food—avoiding improper or untimely eating—and taking only properly prepared food (cooked, suitably raw, or sun-ripened) as part of dharmic self-control.
In this chapter he outlines varṇāśrama-based conduct and restraints that support purity, sense control, and steadiness—favorable for progress in devotion.
Eat at appropriate times, avoid impulsive or irregular eating, choose clean and wholesome food, and keep the purpose spiritual—supporting clarity, restraint, and devotion.