Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 8
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
नश्यंत्यापो ह्यनाहाराद्वायुरुच्छ्वासनिग्रहात् । नश्यते कोष्टभेदार्थमग्रिर्नश्यत्यभोजनात् ॥ ८ ॥
naśyaṃtyāpo hyanāhārādvāyurucchvāsanigrahāt | naśyate koṣṭabhedārthamagrirnaśyatyabhojanāt || 8 ||
Watery elements waste away through fasting; the vital wind is checked by restraining the breath. For cleansing, the bodily channels are opened, and the digestive fire is extinguished by not eating.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It cautions that austerities act directly on the body’s elements—fluids, prāṇa, and digestive fire—so discipline must be applied with discernment as part of Mokṣa-dharma, not as self-harm.
By implying that bodily practices (fasting, restraint, purification) are supportive tools; they should steady the senses and prāṇa so the mind can remain fit for remembrance and devotion rather than being weakened by excess.
It reflects applied yogic-ritual discipline—prāṇāyāma (breath restraint) and regulated upavāsa (fasting)—with an implicit understanding of jatharāgni and bodily balance, useful for structuring vrata and sādhanā safely.