Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
भृगुरुवाच । न प्राणाः सन्ति जीवस्य दत्तस्य च कृतस्य च । याति देहांतरं प्राणी शरीरं तु विशीर्यते ॥ १८ ॥
bhṛguruvāca | na prāṇāḥ santi jīvasya dattasya ca kṛtasya ca | yāti dehāṃtaraṃ prāṇī śarīraṃ tu viśīryate || 18 ||
Bhṛgu sprach: Die Lebenshauche sind nicht das wahre Selbst des Jīva; und sie sind auch nicht dasselbe wie das „Gegebene“ oder das „Getane“ (Verdienst und Handlung). Das Lebewesen geht in einen anderen Körper ein, während dieser Leib nur zerfällt und vergeht.
Sage Bhṛgu
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It distinguishes the imperishable jīva from prāṇa (life-force), actions (kṛta), and gifts/merit (datta), emphasizing that the soul transmigrates while the body disintegrates—supporting a moksha-centered view of identity beyond the physical.
By loosening identification with body and life-breath, the verse prepares the seeker to take refuge in the eternal reality (often expressed in the Purana through devotion to Viṣṇu/Nārāyaṇa), making bhakti a stable practice not dependent on bodily conditions.
No specific Vedāṅga technique is taught in this verse; it is primarily Vedānta-style moksha instruction clarifying categories—body (śarīra), life-force (prāṇa), and karma (kṛta/datta)—to guide right understanding and detachment.