Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 68
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
विशत्याशु पशुभ्यश्च कृष्यादानरतिः शुचिः । वेदाध्ययनसंपन्नः स वैश्य इति संज्ञितः ॥ ६८ ॥
viśatyāśu paśubhyaśca kṛṣyādānaratiḥ śuciḥ | vedādhyayanasaṃpannaḥ sa vaiśya iti saṃjñitaḥ || 68 ||
One who promptly engages in the care of cattle and other livestock, who delights in agriculture and in giving, who is pure in conduct, and who is accomplished in Vedic study—such a person is designated as a Vaiśya.
Narada (teaching in dialogue with Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It defines Vaiśya-lakṣaṇa (the marks of a Vaiśya) by joining livelihood with purity, charity, and Vedic learning—showing that economic activity becomes dharmic when aligned with śauca (purity) and adhyayana (study).
While not explicitly naming bhakti, it supports a bhakti-friendly life by prescribing śuci (purity) and dāna (generosity), which are classic supportive virtues for devotion and worship-oriented living in Purāṇic dharma.
The verse emphasizes vedādhyayana (Vedic study/recitation). In practice this implies competence in Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (grammar) to preserve correct chanting and understanding, even while pursuing agriculture and charitable giving.