Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 51
Karma-yoga Discipline for the Twice-born: Upanayana, Upavīta Conduct, Guru-veneration, and Alms-regimen
पन्था देयो ब्राह्मणाय स्त्रियै राज्ञे ह्यचक्षुषे / वृद्धाय भारबुग्नाय रोगिणे दुर्बलाय च
panthā deyo brāhmaṇāya striyai rājñe hyacakṣuṣe / vṛddhāya bhārabugnāya rogiṇe durbalāya ca
Man soll den Weg freigeben (das Vorrecht des Vorübergehens) einem Brāhmaṇa, einer Frau, einem König und einem Blinden; ebenso einem Alten, einem unter Last Gebeugten, einem Kranken und einem Schwachen.
Sūta (narrator) conveying Kurma Purana’s dharma-instructions in the Purva-bhaga context
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It does not directly define Ātman; instead it establishes dharmic humility and compassion—ethical restraints that traditionally support inner purity, which is considered a prerequisite for realizing the Self.
No specific meditation is taught here; the verse emphasizes yama-like ethical behavior (courtesy, non-harm, respect for the vulnerable), forming the moral ground on which Kurma Purana’s later yoga-oriented teachings (including Pāśupata-related discipline) can stand.
It does not mention Śiva–Viṣṇu theology explicitly; it reflects the Purana’s shared dharma framework—ethical conduct as a common foundation for devotion and liberation regardless of sectarian emphasis.