Shloka 19
Satī at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice: Condemnation of Blasphemy and Voluntary Departure by Yoga-Fire
न वेदवादाननुवर्तते मति: स्व एव लोके रमतो महामुने: । यथा गतिर्देवमनुष्ययो: पृथक् स्व एव धर्मे न परं क्षिपेत्स्थित: ॥ १९ ॥
na veda-vādān anuvartate matiḥ sva eva loke ramato mahā-muneḥ yathā gatir deva-manuṣyayoḥ pṛthak sva eva dharme na paraṁ kṣipet sthitaḥ
O great sage, the mind of one who delights in his own spiritual realm does not always follow the ritual injunctions of the Vedas. Just as the course of the demigods differs from that of men, so one established in his own duty should not censure another’s duty.
The behavior of the most elevated transcendentalist and that of the most fallen conditioned soul appears to be the same. The elevated transcendentalist can surpass all the regulations of the Vedas, just as the demigods traveling in space surpass all the jungles and rocks on the surface of the globe, although a common man, who has no such ability to travel in space, has to face all those impediments. Although the most dear Lord Śiva appears not to observe all the rules and regulations of the Vedas, he is not affected by such disobedience, but a common man who wants to imitate Lord Śiva is mistaken. A common man must observe all the rules and regulations of the Vedas, which a person who is in the transcendental position does not need to observe. Dakṣa found fault with Lord Śiva for not observing all the strict rules and regulations of the Vedas, but Satī asserted that he had no need to observe such rules. It is said that for one who is powerful like the sun or the fire, there is no consideration of purity or impurity. The sunshine can sterilize an impure place, whereas if someone else were to pass such a place he would be affected. One should not try to imitate Lord Śiva; rather, one should strictly follow one’s prescribed occupational duties. One should never vilify a great personality like Lord Śiva.
FAQs
This verse says that one firmly situated in his own dharma should not be pushed into another path; different beings have different destinations and disciplines.
In the narrative Dakṣa blames Nārada for turning his sons toward renunciation, arguing that Nārada’s spiritual course does not align with Dakṣa’s focus on Vedic ritual duties and progeny.
Stay steady in your authentic spiritual practice and responsibilities, and avoid being pressured into paths that don’t fit your stage, nature, or sincere calling.