Shloka 64
Right Conduct, Offenses Against Brāhmaṇas, Truthfulness, and the Greatness of the Cow
Go-Māhātmya
ब्रह्मोवाच । अयाचिता च या भिक्षा प्रशस्ता सा प्रकीर्तिता । उञ्छवृत्तिस्ततो भद्रा सुभद्रा सर्ववृत्तिषु
brahmovāca | ayācitā ca yā bhikṣā praśastā sā prakīrtitā | uñchavṛttistato bhadrā subhadrā sarvavṛttiṣu
Brahmā bersabda: Sedekah (bhikṣā) yang diterima tanpa diminta itu dinyatakan terpuji. Maka, kehidupan dengan uñcha—mengutip sisa-sisa bijirin—adalah berkat dan suci, bahkan paling utama antara segala cara mencari nafkah.
Brahmā
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ब्रह्मा + उवाच → ब्रह्मोवाच; उञ्छवृत्तिः + ततः → उञ्छवृत्तिस्ततः ।
FAQs
It refers to alms that comes without solicitation—support received without asking—considered purer because it avoids pressure, bargaining, or dependence created by requesting.
Uñchavṛtti is sustaining oneself by gleaning leftover grains after harvest (or gathering small remnants). It is praised as a highly self-restrained livelihood that minimizes harm and social burden.
It elevates restraint and dignity in sustenance: prefer minimal, non-intrusive means of living, avoid imposing on others, and cultivate contentment with what comes unasked.