Shloka 25
अव्यक्त-गुण-पुरुषविवेकः | Avyakta, Guṇas, and Discrimination of Puruṣa
नियमान् विविधांश्वापि विविधानि तपांसि च । यज्ञांश्न विविधाकारान् विधींश्व विविधांस्तथा
niyamān vividhāṁś cāpi vividhāni tapāṁsi ca | yajñāṁś ca vividhākārān vidhīṁś ca vividhāṁs tathā ||
Vasiṣṭha said: “He undertakes many kinds of disciplines and restraints, and many forms of austerity. He also performs sacrifices (yajña) of various types, along with diverse prescribed rites—pursuing secret recitations (japa), vows, and regulated observances, often dwelling in secluded mountain caves that serve as a home. Thus, in solitude, he carries out varied religious acts with careful adherence to rule and method.”
वसिष्ठ उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes disciplined spiritual life: one advances through regulated observances (niyama), austerity (tapas), and properly performed rites and sacrifices (yajña, vidhi). Ethical force lies in self-restraint, method, and sincerity rather than mere outward display.
Vasiṣṭha is describing the conduct of a spiritually intent person—living in seclusion (such as solitary mountain caves) and engaging in varied, often confidential, religious practices: japa, vows, restraints, austerities, and ritual performances according to prescribed procedures.