Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18
Varṇāśrama-ācāra: Common Virtues, Varṇa Duties, and the Four Āśramas
ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च द्विजोत्तमा । क्रियाः सामान्यतो वक्ष्ये तच्छृणुष्व समाहितः ॥ १८ ॥
brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca dvijottamā | kriyāḥ sāmānyato vakṣye tacchṛṇuṣva samāhitaḥ || 18 ||
Ô meilleur des dvija, je vais maintenant exposer, d’une manière générale, les devoirs et pratiques prescrites en commun aux brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas et śūdras. Écoute avec l’esprit recueilli.
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It establishes a Dharma-framework: before detailing specific observances, the text signals that righteous action (kriyā) can be taught in a shared, broadly applicable way to all varṇas, to be heard with mental steadiness (samāhita).
Indirectly: it prepares the listener for structured practices that support purity and steadiness—conditions traditionally seen as favorable for sustained devotion, including Vishnu-bhakti, even when the duties differ by social role.
Ritual orientation (kriyā) is foregrounded: the verse introduces a systematic presentation of duties and observances, which typically rely on Vedāṅga supports like Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Śikṣā (correct recitation) even when taught in a “general” form.