Shloka 40
भरतचरितम्—मृगासक्ति-हेतुकः समाधिभङ्गः, जातिस्मरत्वं, रहूगण-जाḍभरत-संवादः
उक्तो ऽपि बहुशः किंचिज् जडवाक्यम् अभाषत तद् अप्य् असंस्कारगुणं ग्राम्यवाक्योक्तिसंश्रितम्
ukto 'pi bahuśaḥ kiṃcij jaḍavākyam abhāṣata tad apy asaṃskāraguṇaṃ grāmyavākyoktisaṃśritam
Though addressed again and again, he spoke only a little—dull, clumsy words; and even those were unrefined, leaning on rustic, uncultured turns of speech.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Conduct of the realized yogin moving among people; why a sage may appear dull or uncultured outwardly
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: authoritative
Concept: Deliberate plain, even rustic speech can function as a protective veil for inner yogic attainment, preventing worldly entanglement.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Practice humility in speech and avoid performative spirituality that invites praise, debate, or social attachment.
Vishishtadvaita: Inner dependence on the Lord can coexist with outward ordinariness; the realized person remains God-centered while appearing socially unremarkable.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse treats refined, cultivated speech as a visible sign of inner discipline and proper conduct, while coarse or rustic expressions indicate lack of refinement.
By describing a person who, even when repeatedly addressed, can only produce dull and uncultured speech, Parāśara uses behavior and speech as narrative indicators of character and samskāra.
Even when Vishnu is not named, the Purana’s dharma-teachings function as guidance toward a life aligned with cosmic order upheld by Vishnu; refinement and self-governance support that alignment.