Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 6
Janaka Instructs Śuka: Āśrama-Sequence, Guru-Dependence, and Marks of Liberation
आवेद्य कुशलं भूमौ निषसाद तदाज्ञया । सोऽपि वैयासकिं भूयः पृष्ट्वा कुशलमव्ययम् । किमागमनिमित्येव पर्यपृच्छद्विधानवित् ॥ ६ ॥
āvedya kuśalaṃ bhūmau niṣasāda tadājñayā | so'pi vaiyāsakiṃ bhūyaḥ pṛṣṭvā kuśalamavyayam | kimāgamanimityeva paryapṛcchadvidhānavit || 6 ||
After reporting that all was well, he sat down on the ground as instructed. Then the knower of proper conduct again asked Vaiyāsaki about his unfailing well-being, and inquired, “For what reason have you come?”
Sanatkumara (a knower of proper conduct, addressing Vaiyāsaki/Śuka)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It highlights disciplined humility and proper etiquette (sadācāra) as the foundation for higher spiritual dialogue—first establishing welfare, then respectfully stating one’s purpose.
Though not directly describing bhakti practices, it models the devotional mood of humility and obedience to instruction—qualities essential for receiving teachings that culminate in Vishnu-bhakti and moksha.
It reflects vidhi (procedural propriety) and dharmic etiquette—how a seeker approaches a teacher/elder: report well-being, sit as directed, and state the reason for arrival with clarity.