Shloka 55
Teaching on Karma-yoga
Discipline of Action as Worship
वृद्धाय भारभग्नाय रोगिणे दुर्बलाय च । भिक्षामाहृत्य शिष्टानां गृहेभ्यः प्रयतोऽन्वहम्
vṛddhāya bhārabhagnāya rogiṇe durbalāya ca | bhikṣāmāhṛtya śiṣṭānāṃ gṛhebhyaḥ prayato'nvaham
वह प्रतिदिन सावधानी से शिष्ट जनों के घरों से भिक्षा लाकर उस वृद्ध को देता था, जो भार से टूट चुका, रोगी और दुर्बल था।
Unspecified (narrative voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa, Adhyaya 51)
Concept: Daily, disciplined charity/service: bringing alms with care for the elderly, burden-broken, sick, and weak from the homes of the respectable.
Application: Create a steady habit of support—food, medicine, companionship—for elders and the ill; practice dignified giving that preserves the recipient’s honor.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A humble student or householder walks at dusk with a covered bowl of alms, approaching a frail elder seated on a veranda, while a sick person rests nearby. Respectable homes in the background offer small portions with dignity, and the giver’s posture shows careful, reverent service rather than pity.","primary_figures":["young brahmacārin/householder (alms-bearer)","elderly person","sick/weak person","respectable householders (donors)"],"setting":"Village lane with mud-plastered houses, veranda seating, a small roadside shrine, and a quiet sense of daily routine charity.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["earth brown","soft turmeric yellow","cloth white","leaf green","twilight violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: compassionate anna-dāna scene—alms-bearer offering a covered bowl to an elder and a sick person; gold leaf highlights on vessels and shrine lamps, rich maroon/green textiles, ornate border, and a small Viṣṇu emblem blessing the act.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: tender village charity moment with delicate faces and gentle gestures, cool twilight tones, fine textile patterns; modest houses and trees, the alms bowl rendered with subtle sheen, emphasis on quiet compassion.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined figures showing seva—giver with bowl, elder and sick recipient; warm red/yellow/green pigments, stylized veranda and shrine lamp, rhythmic composition emphasizing care.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional charity tableau framed by floral borders, lotus motifs, deep blue-violet ground with gold accents; figures arranged ceremonially, peacocks and cows as auspicious witnesses, a small shrine anchoring the center."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["evening birds","soft footsteps","clink of alms bowl","distant temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: भिक्षामाहृत्य = भिक्षाम् + आहृत्य; प्रयतोऽन्वहम् = प्रयतः + अन्वहम्
FAQs
It highlights daily, disciplined compassion—collecting and giving alms to support those who are elderly, burdened, sick, and weak.
Śiṣṭa refers to cultured, well-conducted, respectable people—householders known for proper social and moral conduct.
It implies consistency in charity and service: not occasional giving, but a steady, day-by-day commitment to supporting vulnerable persons.