Shloka 68
Dharma of Non-Injury, Non-Stealing, Purity, and Avoidance of Hypocrisy (Ācāra and Saṅkarya-Nivṛtti)
नाकारणाद् वा निष्ठीवेन्न बाहुभ्यां नदीं तरेत् / न पादक्षालनं कुर्यात् पादेनैव कदाचन
nākāraṇād vā niṣṭhīvenna bāhubhyāṃ nadīṃ taret / na pādakṣālanaṃ kuryāt pādenaiva kadācana
Qu’on ne crache pas sans raison valable. Qu’on ne traverse pas une rivière en nageant à la force des bras. Qu’on ne lave jamais un pied avec l’autre pied.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing on dharma and ritual purity
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
Indirectly: it emphasizes shauca (purity) and disciplined conduct, which in the Kurma Purana function as preparatory supports for inner clarity needed for Atman-realization.
The verse points to foundational niyamas—especially shauca and restraint of impulsive acts—creating steadiness and cleanliness that support mantra-japa, dhyana, and Pashupata-style disciplined living.
By presenting universal dharma (purity and restraint) taught by Lord Kurma, it aligns with the Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis: the same ethical discipline undergirds devotion and yoga whether oriented to Vishnu or Shiva.