Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 34
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
शौचमाचमनं स्नानं सन्ध्योपास्तिर्ममार्चनम् । तीर्थसेवा जपोऽस्पृश्याभक्ष्यासम्भाष्यवर्जनम् ॥ ३४ ॥ सर्वाश्रमप्रयुक्तोऽयं नियम: कुलनन्दन । मद्भाव: सर्वभूतेषु मनोवाक्कायसंयम: ॥ ३५ ॥
śaucam ācamanaṁ snānaṁ sandhyopāstir mamārcanam tīrtha-sevā japo ’spṛśyā- bhakṣyāsambhāṣya-varjanam
Wahai Uddhava yang dikasihi, kebersihan, ācaman (membasuh tangan dan berkumur), mandi, ibadah sandhyā pada pagi–tengah hari–senja, pemujaan kepada-Ku, khidmat di tempat suci, japa, serta menjauhi yang tidak boleh disentuh, tidak boleh dimakan dan tidak patut dibicarakan—semuanya ialah peraturan bagi semua āśrama; dan dengan pengendalian minda, kata-kata dan tubuh, ingatlah kehadiran-Ku sebagai Paramātmā dalam semua makhluk.
FAQs
In 11.17.34, Kṛṣṇa lists disciplines such as cleanliness, ācamana, bathing, sandhyā worship, worship of the Lord, pilgrimage-service, japa, and avoiding impure contact, forbidden foods, and improper association.
Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on varṇāśrama-based disciplines that steady one’s senses and mind, supporting devotion and right conduct as Kṛṣṇa prepares to conclude His manifest pastimes.
Keep personal and mental cleanliness, maintain a simple daily worship routine (prayer/reading/japa), be mindful of diet, and avoid degrading company and conversations that pull the mind away from devotion.