Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
The Characteristics of Devotion to Hari
न बाह्यकरणैर्युक्तो न चान्तः करणैस्तथा । अस्वरूपो यदात्मासौ पुण्यापुण्यविवर्जितः ॥ १७ ॥
na bāhyakaraṇairyukto na cāntaḥ karaṇaistathā | asvarūpo yadātmāsau puṇyāpuṇyavivarjitaḥ || 17 ||
ذلك الآتمان لا يتصل بالأعضاء الخارجية، ولا كذلك بالآلة الباطنة (الذهن). فإذا لم يُحصر الآتمان في صورة بعينها، بقي منزّهًا عن الثواب والإثم معًا.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It points to liberation by recognizing the Self as distinct from both sense-organs and the mind; when not identified with any limited form, the Self is untouched by merit and demerit.
It supports mature Vishnu-bhakti by teaching non-identification: devotion is performed through mind and senses, yet the devotee learns to rest in the Self beyond them, offering actions without ego and karmic bondage.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Kalpa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is philosophical discernment between the Self and the instruments (mind/senses), which informs disciplined sadhana and ritual performance without attachment.