Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 110
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
तद्धि सर्वाश्रमणां मूलमुदाहरंति गुरुकुलनिवासिनः परिव्राजका येऽन्ये । संकल्पितव्रतनियमधर्मानुष्टानिनस्तेषामप्यंतरा च भिक्षाबलिसंविभागाः प्रवर्तंते ॥ ११० ॥
taddhi sarvāśramaṇāṃ mūlamudāharaṃti gurukulanivāsinaḥ parivrājakā ye'nye | saṃkalpitavrataniyamadharmānuṣṭāninasteṣāmapyaṃtarā ca bhikṣābalisaṃvibhāgāḥ pravartaṃte || 110 ||
Isto, de fato, é declarado como a própria raiz de todos os āśramas: os parivrājaka, renunciantes errantes, e também os demais que residem no gurukula do mestre, assim o confirmam. Mesmo para aqueles que, por firme propósito, assumiram votos, disciplinas, restrições e observâncias do dharma, continua como dever íntimo a prática de distribuir esmolas e partilhar as oferendas de alimento (bali).
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Moksha-Dharma dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It identifies sharing—through alms and food-offerings—as a foundational discipline underlying every āśrama, showing that spiritual life is inseparable from ethical giving and communal responsibility.
While not naming bhakti explicitly, it supports devotional life by emphasizing selflessness and service (sharing food and alms), which purifies intention and sustains a God-centered, compassionate way of living.
It reflects Kalpa-style practical dharma (ritual and conduct): how vowed practitioners and renunciants should maintain regulated practices like bhikṣā (alms) and bali (offerings/portions) as part of daily observance.