Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Yamapatha (The Road of Yama), Dāna-Phala, and the Imperishable Fruition of Karma
छायाजलविहीने तु पथि यांत्यतिदुःखिताः । शोचन्तः स्वानि कर्मणि ज्ञानाज्ञानकृतानि च ॥ १६ ॥
chāyājalavihīne tu pathi yāṃtyatiduḥkhitāḥ | śocantaḥ svāni karmaṇi jñānājñānakṛtāni ca || 16 ||
Doch auf einem Weg ohne Schatten und ohne Wasser schreiten sie in äußerstem Elend dahin und beklagen ihre eigenen karmischen Taten – die wissentlich begangenen wie auch die aus Unwissenheit.
Sanatkumāra (teaching Nārada in the dialogue style of Book 1.1)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It portrays the soul’s painful journey under karmic burden: suffering is intensified when one recognizes that one’s own actions—whether deliberate or careless—are the cause, prompting remorse and the need for dharmic correction.
By highlighting the misery born of karma and regret, it indirectly points to bhakti as a refuge: turning the mind toward the Lord and living by dharma reduces sinful tendencies and transforms remorse into sincere repentance and spiritual resolve.
A practical takeaway aligns with Dharma-śāstra reasoning supported by Vedāṅga-based discipline: mindful conduct (right action with awareness) is stressed, since deeds done in ignorance still bind—so one should cultivate correct understanding through śāstra study and proper guidance.