Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 3
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
ग्राम्यधर्मनिवृत्तिश्च मोक्षधर्मरतिस्तथा । मितमेध्यादनं शश्वद्विविक्तक्षेमसेवनम् ॥ ३ ॥
grāmya-dharma-nivṛttiś ca mokṣa-dharma-ratis tathā mita-medhyādanaṁ śaśvad vivikta-kṣema-sevanam
ମନୁଷ୍ୟ ଗ୍ରାମ୍ୟ (ଲୌକିକ) ଧର୍ମାଚାରରୁ ନିବୃତ୍ତ ହୋଇ ମୋକ୍ଷଧର୍ମରେ ରତି ରଖୁ। ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ମିତ ଓ ଶୁଦ୍ଧ ଆହାର କରି, ସଦା ବିବିକ୍ତ ଏକାନ୍ତରେ ରହି ପରମ କ୍ଷେମକୁ ସେବନ କରୁ।
It is recommended herein that religious practice for economic development or the satisfaction of sense desires should be avoided. Religious practices should be executed only to gain freedom from the clutches of material nature. It is stated in the beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam that the topmost religious practice is that by which one can attain to the transcendental devotional service of the Lord, without reason or cause. Such religious practice is never hampered by any impediments, and by its performance one actually becomes satisfied. Here this is recommended as mokṣa-dharma, religious practice for salvation, or transcendence of the clutches of material contamination. Generally people execute religious practices for economic development or sense gratification, but that is not recommended for one who wants to advance in yoga.
FAQs
This verse advises nivṛtti—turning away from village-minded, sense-centered social habits—and cultivating mokṣa-dharma, the life of spiritual principles that lead to liberation.
Kapiladeva is teaching Devahuti the practical foundations of bhakti-yoga: renunciation of materialistic habits, purity and moderation in food, and choosing a peaceful, secluded environment favorable for steady devotional practice.
Eat simply and purely in moderation, reduce overstimulation and social distraction, and create a quiet daily space for japa, study, and prayer—so the mind becomes fit for devotion and inner clarity.