Shloka 10
Cāturāśramya-dharma—Marks of the Four Āśramas (चातुराश्रम्यधर्मः)
अन्यथा वर्तमानस्य नासौ वृत्ति: प्रकल्प्यते । कर्मणा वर्धते धर्मो यथाधर्मस्तथैव सः:
anyathā vartamānasya nāsau vṛttiḥ prakalpyate | karmaṇā vardhate dharmo yathādharmas tathaiva saḥ ||
For one who conducts himself contrary to what is proper, no fitting (Brahmin-appropriate) mode of livelihood is to be prescribed. Dharma grows through one’s deeds; and whatever kind of dharma—or adharma—a person adopts in practice, into that very nature he himself is formed.
इन्द्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not merely a label or birth-based claim; it is strengthened by concrete action. A person becomes shaped by the kind of dharma (or adharma) he repeatedly practices, and improper conduct disqualifies one from being assigned a ‘proper’ or sanctioned mode of life.
Indra is instructing about ethical conduct and the principle that one’s status and rightful livelihood depend on behavior. He emphasizes that actions cultivate dharma, and habitual adherence to dharma or adharma transforms the person accordingly.