Bhojana-vidhi and Nitya-karman: Directions for Eating, Prāṇa-Oblations, Sandhyā, and Conduct Leading to Apavarga
न शीर्णायां तु खट्वायां शून्यागारे न चैव हि / नानुवंशं न पालाशे शयने वा कदाचन
na śīrṇāyāṃ tu khaṭvāyāṃ śūnyāgāre na caiva hi / nānuvaṃśaṃ na pālāśe śayane vā kadācana
On ne doit jamais s’étendre pour dormir sur un lit brisé, ni dans une maison déserte. On ne doit pas non plus dormir sur une armature de bambou, ni sur une couche faite de bois de palāśa, en aucun temps.
Sūta (narrating Vyāsa’s Purāṇic teaching to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
It does not directly define Ātman; instead it supports dharmic self-discipline (ācāra), which the Purāṇas treat as a practical foundation for inner steadiness and later contemplative knowledge.
No specific technique is taught here; the verse emphasizes regulated living—choosing a proper, safe, and sattva-supporting place for rest—seen as preparatory discipline (yama/niyama-like conduct) that stabilizes the mind for japa, dhyāna, and devotion.
This verse is primarily an ācāra injunction and does not explicitly address Śiva–Viṣṇu theology; within the Kurma Purāṇa’s broader synthesis, such conduct-rules are shared dharma foundations for both Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava paths.