Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 60
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
इत्येतैः कर्मभिर्व्याप्ता द्विजा वर्णान्तरं गताः । ब्राह्मणा धर्मतन्त्रस्थास्तपस्तेषां न नश्यति ॥ ६० ॥
ityetaiḥ karmabhirvyāptā dvijā varṇāntaraṃ gatāḥ | brāhmaṇā dharmatantrasthāstapasteṣāṃ na naśyati || 60 ||
इस प्रकार ऐसे कर्मों में लिप्त द्विज अन्य वर्ण में गिर जाते हैं; पर जो ब्राह्मण धर्म-तंत्र में स्थित रहते हैं, उनका तप नष्ट नहीं होता।
Sanatkumara (in dialogue teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It stresses that mere engagement in actions can pull a person away from their dharmic station, while steadfastness in dharma preserves tapas—inner spiritual power that supports liberation-oriented life (Moksha-Dharma).
While not naming bhakti directly, it supports bhakti’s foundation: disciplined dharma and purified conduct. When actions are aligned with dharma-tantra, spiritual strength is protected, making devotion stable rather than distracted by worldly karma.
The verse points to applied Dharma-śāstra reasoning—proper performance and orientation of karma (ritual/acts) so that one’s tapas and eligibility (adhikāra) are not diminished; it is a practical takeaway for ritual ethics and right conduct.