Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 23
Bhojana-vidhi and Nitya-karman: Directions for Eating, Prāṇa-Oblations, Sandhyā, and Conduct Leading to Apavarga
नैकवस्त्रस्तु भुञ्जीत न यानशयनस्थितः / न पादुकानिर्गतो ऽथ न हसन् विलपन्नपि
naikavastrastu bhuñjīta na yānaśayanasthitaḥ / na pādukānirgato 'tha na hasan vilapannapi
ഒറ്റ വസ്ത്രം മാത്രം ധരിച്ചു ഭക്ഷിക്കരുത്; വാഹനത്തിൽ ഇരുന്നും അല്ല, കിടക്കയിൽ കിടന്നും അല്ല। പാദുക/ചെരിപ്പ് ധരിച്ചു പുറത്തുപോയി വന്നിട്ടും ഭക്ഷിക്കരുത്; ചിരിച്ചും കരഞ്ഞും ഭക്ഷിക്കരുത്।
Traditional narration attributed to the Purāṇic teacher (Sūta/Vyāsa tradition) conveying dharma-vidhi; framed within Kurma Purana’s instructional discourse
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
Indirectly, by prescribing steadiness and purity during eating, it supports the sāttvika discipline needed for inner clarity, which is a prerequisite for recognizing the Atman through yoga and self-inquiry.
It emphasizes pratyāhāra-like restraint and mindful regulation of āhāra (food intake): eating in a composed posture, with modesty and emotional balance, so the mind remains fit for japa, dhyāna, and Pāśupata-oriented self-control.
Though no deity is named, the verse reflects the shared Purāṇic ethic upheld across Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava streams: disciplined conduct (ācāra) as the foundation for devotion and yoga—supporting the Kurma Purana’s synthesis of dharma with liberation-oriented practice.