Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 36
Adhyāya 375 — समाधिः
Samādhi
श्रद्धोपवासः सत्यत्वमात्मनो ज्ञानहेतवः स त्वाश्रमैर् निदिध्यास्यः समस्तैर् एवमेव तु
śraddhopavāsaḥ satyatvamātmano jñānahetavaḥ sa tvāśramair nididhyāsyaḥ samastair evameva tu
Faith (śraddhā), religious fasting (upavāsa), and truthfulness toward one’s own self are causes of spiritual knowledge. Therefore That (the Self/Truth) is to be steadily contemplated by means of all the āśramas (stages of life)—indeed, in just this way.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, typical Agni Purāṇa narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Vrata","practical_application":"Gives a practical triad for jnana-growth—shraddha, upavasa, satya—then integrates it with the āśrama system: any life-stage can cultivate knowledge through disciplined observance and steady nididhyāsana.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Causes of Knowledge: Śraddhā, Upavāsa, Satyatva; Nididhyāsana through All Āśramas","lookup_keywords":["shraddha","upavasa","satya","jnana-hetu","nididhyasana"],"quick_summary":"Faith, religious fasting, and truthfulness are stated as causes of spiritual knowledge; the Self/Truth should be steadily contemplated through the disciplines of all four āśramas."}
Concept: Jnana arises from inner qualifications: śraddhā (trust in śāstra/guru), upavāsa (discipline of appetite), and satya (truth-alignment); nididhyāsana is to be pursued across āśramas, not restricted to one stage.
Application: Create a life-stage-appropriate routine: (1) daily śraddhā via study/satsanga, (2) periodic upavāsa or regulated diet, (3) satya in speech and self-honesty, (4) fixed contemplation time (nididhyāsana).
Khanda Section: Moksha-dharma / Jnana-yoga (Spiritual Discipline and Knowledge)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A didactic scene showing four āśramas in one composition—student, householder, forest-dweller, renunciate—each practicing śraddhā (listening), upavāsa (simple meal/fast), satya (truthful speech), and nididhyāsana (meditation) toward a central symbol of the Self (jyoti/linga-like light).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, four life-stages arranged in quadrants around a central flame of Atman-knowledge, each figure in traditional attire, minimalistic fasting bowl, scripture listening posture, serene meditation, rich earthy palette and ornamental borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central radiant jyoti with gold foil, four āśrama figures in panels, embossed gold highlights on halos and ornaments, symbolic fasting plate left empty, scripture scrolls, symmetrical devotional-instructional layout","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clean instructional diagram-like painting: four āśramas labeled, small icons for śraddhā/upavāsa/satya/nididhyāsana, soft colors and precise linework","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly yet ascetic setting with four vignettes in one page, central luminous symbol, fine detailing of garments and objects, restrained palette with delicate shading"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śraddhopavāsaḥ → śraddhā-upavāsaḥ; satyatvamātmano → satyatvam + ātmanaḥ; tvāśramair → tu + āśramaiḥ; samastair → samastaiḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana moksha-dharma teachings on śraddhā and jnana; Agni Purana vrata/upavāsa descriptions in ritual sections
FAQs
It teaches jñāna-sādhana: cultivating śraddhā (faith), upavāsa (disciplined observance/fasting), and satyatva (truthfulness) as direct supports for nididhyāsana—deep contemplative practice on the Self.
Alongside ritual and practical sciences, the Agni Purāṇa also systematizes inner disciplines—ethics (truthfulness), vrata-like observances (fasting), and Vedāntic practice (nididhyāsana)—showing it functions as a comprehensive manual of both outer and inner dharma.
Truthfulness and disciplined observance purify mind and conduct, making contemplation effective; sustained nididhyāsana across any life-stage is presented as a direct means toward liberating knowledge of the Self.