Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 18
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
न कृष्टपच्यमश्नीयादकृष्टं चाप्यकालत: । अग्निपक्वमथामं वा अर्कपक्वमुताहरेत् ॥ १८ ॥
na kṛṣṭa-pacyam aśnīyād akṛṣṭaṁ cāpy akālataḥ agni-pakvam athāmaṁ vā arka-pakvam utāharet
Seorang vānaprastha tidak wajar memakan bijirin yang ditanam melalui pembajakan. Bijirin yang tumbuh sendiri tetapi belum masak juga tidak patut dimakan. Ia tidak makan yang dimasak dengan api atau yang mentah; hanya buah yang masak oleh sinar matahari sahaja.
FAQs
This verse advises regulated acceptance of food—avoiding improper or untimely eating—and taking only properly prepared food (cooked, suitably raw, or sun-ripened) as part of dharmic self-control.
In this chapter he outlines varṇāśrama-based conduct and restraints that support purity, sense control, and steadiness—favorable for progress in devotion.
Eat at appropriate times, avoid impulsive or irregular eating, choose clean and wholesome food, and keep the purpose spiritual—supporting clarity, restraint, and devotion.