Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 55
Hanūmaccarita
The Account of Hanumān
क्वचिल्लिहति तत्पात्रं तूष्णीमेवाभ्यगात्क्वचित् । हस्तं गृहीत्वैव गुरोः स्वयमेवाभुनक्क्वचित् ॥ ५५ ॥
kvacillihati tatpātraṃ tūṣṇīmevābhyagātkvacit | hastaṃ gṛhītvaiva guroḥ svayamevābhunakkvacit || 55 ||
Mitunter leckte er eben jenes Gefäß; mitunter trat er in völliger Stille heran. Mitunter ergriff er die Hand des Lehrers und aß von selbst.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
The verse highlights the instability of an undisciplined mind: erratic, impulsive conduct around sacred learning and the guru becomes a lesson on why restraint (dama) and humility are essential foundations for Vedic knowledge.
Even in technical sections, Narada’s teaching supports Bhakti indirectly: reverence for the guru and self-control are prerequisites for steady remembrance of the Lord; without disciplined conduct, devotion becomes inconsistent and performative.
It points to Shiksha/Sadachara—practical training in proper comportment in a learning setting (gurukula), emphasizing silence, restraint, and respectful boundaries with the teacher as part of the culture that safeguards Vedic study.