Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
The Exposition of Spiritual Knowledge
Jñāna-pradarśanam
कष्टाशा वर्त्तते यस्य स विद्वानथ पण्डितः । सुशान्तोऽपि प्रमन्युः स्याद्धीमानप्यतिमूढधीः ॥ २३ ॥
kaṣṭāśā varttate yasya sa vidvānatha paṇḍitaḥ | suśānto'pi pramanyuḥ syāddhīmānapyatimūḍhadhīḥ || 23 ||
Wer seine Hoffnung auf schwer Erreichbares richtet, wird dennoch Gelehrter und Pandit genannt; doch selbst der scheinbar ganz Friedvolle kann in heftigen Zorn geraten, und selbst der Verständige kann mit völlig verblendetem Sinn handeln.
Narada (instructional discourse within Purva Bhaga teachings; traditionally framed in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue stream)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It warns that external labels (learned, calm, intelligent) are unreliable unless supported by inner mastery; spiritual progress requires vigilance over desire (āśā), anger (manyu), and delusion (moha).
Bhakti is strengthened by inner steadiness—reducing restless craving and anger. The verse implies that devotion must be accompanied by self-restraint and clear discernment, not merely outward serenity or reputation.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught directly; the practical takeaway is nīti-based self-discipline—watching the mind’s hopes, anger, and confusion even in the educated.