Shloka 4
Kardama Muni’s Penance, Viṣṇu’s Darśana, and the Arrangement of Devahūti’s Marriage
तस्यां स वै महायोगी युक्तायां योगलक्षणै: । ससर्ज कतिधा वीर्यं तन्मे शुश्रूषवे वद ॥ ४ ॥
tasyāṁ sa vai mahā-yogī yuktāyāṁ yoga-lakṣaṇaiḥ sasarja katidhā vīryaṁ tan me śuśrūṣave vada
Quantas espécies de descendência gerou aquele grande yogī por meio da princesa, dotada dos sinais do yoga (as oito perfeições)? Por favor, dize-me, pois anseio ouvir.
Here Vidura inquired about Kardama Muni and his wife, Devahūti, and about their children. It is described here that Devahūti was very much advanced in the performance of eightfold yoga. The eight divisions of yoga performance are described as (1) control of the senses, (2) strict following of the rules and regulations, (3) practice of the different sitting postures, (4) control of the breath, (5) withdrawing the senses from sense objects, (6) concentration of the mind, (7) meditation and (8) self-realization. After self-realization there are eight further perfectional stages, which are called yoga-siddhis. The husband and wife, Kardama and Devahūti, were advanced in yoga practice; the husband was a mahā-yogī, great mystic, and the wife was a yoga-lakṣaṇa, or one advanced in yoga. They united and produced children. Formerly, after making their lives perfect, great sages and saintly persons used to beget children, otherwise they strictly observed the rules and regulations of celibacy. Brahmacarya (following the rules and regulations of celibacy) is required for perfection of self-realization and mystic power. There is no recommendation in the Vedic scriptures that one can go on enjoying material sense gratification at one’s whims, as one likes, and at the same time become a great meditator by paying a rascal some money.
FAQs
This verse indicates that being “endowed with the characteristics of yoga” (yoga-lakṣaṇaiḥ) is a qualifying state, after which significant spiritual and dharmic outcomes—here, progeny/creation—can occur under higher guidance.
Manu is hearing the account of Kardama and wants a clear explanation of how the great yogī, while remaining spiritually accomplished, engaged in household duties leading to progeny—so he asks for the details from the narrator.
It highlights the value of disciplined spiritual qualification (yoga-lakṣaṇa) before major life responsibilities—encouraging self-mastery, purity, and conscious intention in relationships and family life.