Shloka 1
Brahmā’s Instruction on Brahmacarya, Vānaprastha, and the Aliṅga Path
Ethics of Non-attachment
ऑपन--माज बछ। ःडिज षट्चत्वारिशो5 ध्याय: ब्रह्मचारी, वानप्रस्थी और संन्यासीके धर्मका वर्णन ब्रह्मोवाच एवमेतेन मार्गेण पूर्वोक्तेन यथाविधि । अधीतवान् यथाशक्ति तथैव ब्रह्म॒चर्यवान्,ब्रह्माजीनी कहा--महर्षिगण! इस प्रकार इस पूर्वोक्त मार्गके अनुसार गृहस्थको यथावत् आचरण करना चाहिये एवं यथाशक्ति अध्ययन करते हुए ब्रह्मचर्य-व्रतका पालन करनेवाले पुरुषको चाहिये कि वह अपने धर्ममें तत्पर रहे, विद्वान् बने, सम्पूर्ण इन्द्रियोंको अपने अधीन रखे, मुनि-व्रतका पालन करे, गुरुका प्रिय और हित करनेमें लगा रहे, सत्य बोले तथा धर्मपरायण एवं पवित्र रहे
brahmovāca—evam etena mārgeṇa pūrvoktena yathāvidhi | adhītavān yathāśakti tathaiva brahmacaryavān |
Brahmā said: “In this very way—following the previously stated path and the proper rule—one should live as prescribed. Having studied according to one’s capacity, and maintaining the vow of brahmacarya, a man should remain steadfast in his own duty: become learned, bring all the senses under control, observe the discipline of a sage, strive for what is pleasing and beneficial to the teacher, speak truth, and remain devoted to dharma and purity.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes ashrama-dharma for a brahmacārin: study within one’s capacity, strict observance of celibate discipline, control of the senses, sage-like restraint, service that benefits the guru, truthful speech, and commitment to dharma and purity.
A didactic discourse is underway in which divine authority (Brahmā, within the broader dialogue context) lays down the proper conduct for the life-stages—here focusing on the brahmacārin’s disciplined training as the foundation for righteous living.