Shloka 7
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
नासच्छास्त्रेषु सज्जेत नोपजीवेत जीविकाम् । वादवादांस्त्यजेत्तर्कान्पक्षं कंच न संश्रयेत् ॥ ७ ॥
nāsac-chāstreṣu sajjeta nopajīveta jīvikām vāda-vādāṁs tyajet tarkān pakṣaṁ kaṁca na saṁśrayet
आध्यात्मिक लाभ नसलेल्या निरर्थक ग्रंथांत आसक्त होऊ नये। उपजीविकेसाठी उपदेशक होऊ नये, वाद-विवाद व कुतर्क सोडावेत, आणि कोणत्याही पक्षाचा आश्रय घेऊ नये।
A person desiring to advance in spiritual understanding should be extremely careful to avoid reading ordinary literature. The world is full of ordinary literature that creates unnecessary agitation in the mind. Such literature, including newspapers, dramas, novels and magazines, is factually not meant for advancement in spiritual knowledge. Indeed, it has been described as a place of enjoyment for crows ( tad vāyasaṁ tīrtham ). Anyone advancing in spiritual knowledge must reject such literature. Furthermore, one should not concern oneself with the conclusions of various logicians or philosophers. Of course, those who preach sometimes need to argue with the contentions of opponents, but as much as possible one should avoid an argumentative attitude. In this connection, Śrīla Madhvācārya says:
FAQs
In 7.13.7, Nārada Muni advises not to become attached to asat-śāstra—misleading or unauthorized teachings—and to remain grounded in genuine spiritual practice rather than being carried away by deceptive doctrines.
Nārada is instructing Yudhiṣṭhira on the standards of dharma and saintly behavior—warning him that spiritual life is harmed by exploiting scripture for income, indulging in contentious debate, and clinging to sectarian factions.
Avoid consuming or promoting misleading spiritual content, don’t use spirituality merely for status or profit, step away from toxic argument culture, and focus on sincere practice and humility rather than defending “teams” or ideologies.