Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 44
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
अचेतनं जीवगुणं वदंति स चेष्टते चेष्टयते च सर्वम् । अतः परं क्षेत्रविदो वदंति प्रावर्तयद्यो भुवनानि सप्त ॥ ४४ ॥
acetanaṃ jīvaguṇaṃ vadaṃti sa ceṣṭate ceṣṭayate ca sarvam | ataḥ paraṃ kṣetravido vadaṃti prāvartayadyo bhuvanāni sapta || 44 ||
They say that the life-force, as a mere quality, is insentient; yet it moves and also sets everything into motion. Therefore, the knowers of the kṣetra declare something higher than that—the Kṣetrajña who impels the seven worlds into activity.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in Moksha-Dharma context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It distinguishes between the seemingly active life-force (treated as a non-conscious function) and the higher conscious principle—the kṣetrajña/Ātman—described as the true impeller behind all activity across the seven worlds.
By pointing to a reality higher than prāṇa and bodily functions, it directs the seeker to worship and realize the indwelling Lord/Ātman as the real source of power—supporting bhakti as devotion to the inner ruler rather than identification with mere life-processes.
The verse is primarily Vedāntic (kṣetra–kṣetrajña viveka) rather than a direct Vedāṅga instruction; its practical takeaway is discernment—separating bodily functions like prāṇa from the conscious Self that truly governs action.