Shloka 1
Vānaprastha-Dharma: Forest Discipline, Vows, Seasonal Tapas, and Equanimity
नामैकोत्तरशततमो ऽध्यायः याज्ञवल्क्य उवाच / वानप्रस्थाश्रमं वक्ष्ये तच्छृण्वन्तु महर्षयः / पुत्रेषु भार्यां निः क्षिप्य वनं गच्छेत्सहैव वा
nāmaikottaraśatatamo 'dhyāyaḥ yājñavalkya uvāca / vānaprasthāśramaṃ vakṣye tacchṛṇvantu maharṣayaḥ / putreṣu bhāryāṃ niḥ kṣipya vanaṃ gacchetsahaiva vā
याज्ञवल्क्य बोले—मैं वानप्रस्थ-आश्रम का धर्म कहता हूँ; महर्षिगण सुनें। पत्नी को पुत्रों के संरक्षण में सौंपकर, वन को जाए—अकेला या उसके साथ।
Yājñavalkya
Concept: Vānaprastha as a regulated life-stage: orderly withdrawal after fulfilling household duties, with responsible family entrustment.
Vedantic Theme: Vairāgya and āśrama progression supporting antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi and readiness for jñāna.
Application: After ensuring family stability (entrusting spouse to sons), adopt a simpler life in the forest—alone or with spouse—prioritizing austerity and study.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: wilderness/āśrama
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.102 (vānaprastha rules continuing)
FAQs
This verse introduces Vānaprastha as a formal dharmic stage—leaving worldly duties behind in a structured way, after arranging family responsibilities.
Indirectly, it frames spiritual progress through disciplined life-stages: reducing attachment and preparing for deeper renunciation, which supports inner purification and higher goals like mokṣa.
Plan detachment responsibly: fulfill duties, ensure dependents are cared for, then simplify life and prioritize spiritual practice—whether through retreat, reduced possessions, or increased sādhana.