Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 107
Mokṣopāya: Bhakti-rooted Jñāna and the Aṣṭāṅga Yoga of Viṣṇu-Meditation
वाचा धर्मान्प्रवलदति मनसा पापमिच्छति । जानीयात्तं मुनिश्रेष्ट महापातकिनां वरम् ॥ ७ ॥
vācā dharmānpravaladati manasā pāpamicchati | jānīyāttaṃ muniśreṣṭa mahāpātakināṃ varam || 7 ||
जो वाणीने धर्म बोलतो, पण मनाने पापाची इच्छा धरतो—हे मुनिश्रेष्ठ, त्याला महापातक्यांमध्ये श्रेष्ठ समजावे।
Sanatkumāra (teaching Nārada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It warns that outwardly dharmic speech cannot sanctify a person whose inner intention seeks pāpa; inner purity (bhāva) is the true measure of dharma.
Bhakti requires sincerity; merely praising dharma or reciting pious words while harboring sinful desires is treated as a grave spiritual fault that blocks genuine devotion.
It highlights practical dharma-śāstra ethics rather than a specific Vedāṅga: alignment of vāk (speech) and manas (mind) is essential for truthful conduct and effective religious practice.