Shloka 13
Varṇāśrama-Dharma and the Thirty Qualities of a Human Being
संस्कारा यत्राविच्छिन्ना: स द्विजोऽजो जगाद यम् । इज्याध्ययनदानानि विहितानि द्विजन्मनाम् । जन्मकर्मावदातानां क्रियाश्चाश्रमचोदिता: ॥ १३ ॥
saṁskārā yatrāvicchinnāḥ sa dvijo ’jo jagāda yam ijyādhyayana-dānāni vihitāni dvijanmanām janma-karmāvadātānāṁ kriyāś cāśrama-coditāḥ
ज्यांचे गर्भाधानादी संस्कार वेदमंत्रांनी अखंड रीतीने झाले व ब्रह्मदेवांनी मान्य केले, ते द्विज होत. असे जन्म-कर्माने शुद्ध ब्राह्मण, क्षत्रिय व वैश्य यांनी भगवंताची पूजा करावी, वेदाध्ययन करावे व दान द्यावे; तसेच चार आश्रमांचे नियम पाळावेत॥१३॥
After giving a general list of thirty qualifications for one’s behavior, Nārada Muni now describes the principles of the four varṇas and four āśramas. A human being must be trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, he is not even a human being. Then, among such qualified persons, the varṇāśrama process should be introduced. In the varṇāśrama system, the first ceremony for purification is garbhādhāna, which is performed with mantras at the time of sex for propagating a good child. One who uses sex life not for sensual pleasures but only to beget children according to the reformatory method is also accepted as a brahmacārī. One should not waste semen on sensual pleasure, violating the principles of Vedic life. Restraint in sex is possible, however, only when the populace is trained in the above-mentioned thirty qualities; otherwise, it is not possible. Even if one is born in a family of dvijas, or twice-born, if they have not followed the reformatory process he is called a dvija-bandhu — not one of the twice-born, but a friend of the twice-born. The whole purpose of this system is to create good population. As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, when women are polluted the populace is varṇa-saṅkara, and when the varṇa-saṅkara population increases, the situation of the entire world becomes hellish. Therefore, all the Vedic literatures strongly warn against creating varṇa-saṅkara population. When there is varṇa-saṅkara population, the people cannot be properly controlled for peace and prosperity, regardless of great legislative assemblies, parliaments and similar bodies.
FAQs
This verse says a dvija is identified by uninterrupted saṁskāras (purificatory rites), and for such persons worship, Vedic study, and charity—along with āśrama-based duties—are prescribed.
Prahlāda supports the definition of dvija by citing authoritative divine testimony—what the unborn Lord has declared—so the standard is rooted in śāstra, not merely social label.
Maintain consistent spiritual discipline (regular purification and vows), learn sacred teachings with sincerity, and give in charity/service—aligning one’s daily responsibilities with a God-centered āśrama spirit.