Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 35
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
शौचमाचमनं स्नानं सन्ध्योपास्तिर्ममार्चनम् । तीर्थसेवा जपोऽस्पृश्याभक्ष्यासम्भाष्यवर्जनम् ॥ ३४ ॥ सर्वाश्रमप्रयुक्तोऽयं नियम: कुलनन्दन । मद्भाव: सर्वभूतेषु मनोवाक्कायसंयम: ॥ ३५ ॥
śaucam ācamanaṁ snānaṁ sandhyopāstir mamārcanam tīrtha-sevā japo ’spṛśyā- bhakṣyāsambhāṣya-varjanam
O Uddhava, pride of your lineage, this rule is meant for all āśramas: remember My presence as Paramātmā within all beings, and restrain mind, speech, and body—practising it with bhakti.
FAQs
In this verse, Kṛṣṇa lists cleanliness, ācamana, bathing, sandhyā worship, and worship of the Lord as key observances for spiritual discipline.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa summarizes dharma and regulated practices (varṇāśrama observances) to guide Uddhava—and seekers—toward purified devotion.
Maintain bodily and mental cleanliness, keep a steady daily prayer/meditation routine, chant God’s names, and be mindful of diet and conversations that shape consciousness.