Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 45
Hari-nāma Mahimā and Caraṇāmṛta: The Redemption of the Hunter Gulika
Uttaṅka Itihāsa
कामः समृद्धिमायाति नराणां पापकर्मिणाम् । कामः संक्षयमायाति नराणां पुण्यकर्मणाम् ॥ ४५ ॥
kāmaḥ samṛddhimāyāti narāṇāṃ pāpakarmiṇām | kāmaḥ saṃkṣayamāyāti narāṇāṃ puṇyakarmaṇām || 45 ||
O kāma, o desejo, prospera nos que praticam ações pecaminosas; mas nos que se dedicam a obras meritórias, o desejo se reduz e se extingue.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It states a diagnostic principle: unethical conduct feeds craving, while meritorious living purifies the mind so that desire naturally weakens—supporting progress toward inner freedom.
By implying that purity of action reduces restless desire, it prepares the heart for steady devotion; when cravings subside, bhakti can become focused and sincere rather than desire-driven.
A practical dharma takeaway: regulate conduct (ācāra) and choose puṇya-producing actions to reduce kama; it is ethical discipline rather than a technical Vedanga topic like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa.