Shloka 15
कलिस्वरूप-वर्णनम् एवं कालमान-प्रस्तावना
उपवासस् तथायासो वित्तोत्सर्गस् तथा कलौ धर्मो यथाभिरुचितैर् अनुष्ठानैर् अनुष्ठितः
upavāsas tathāyāso vittotsargas tathā kalau dharmo yathābhirucitair anuṣṭhānair anuṣṭhitaḥ
Na era de Kali, o dharma é praticado por observâncias conforme a capacidade: jejum, esforço sincero e doação de riquezas em dāna. Assim a retidão se cumpre segundo a inclinação e a força de cada um.
Sage Parāśara (in dialogue with Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: What forms of dharma remain practicable in Kali-yuga?
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: compassionate
Concept: In Kali-yuga, dharma is sustained through attainable disciplines—fasting, earnest effort, and charity—chosen according to one’s capacity and disposition.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Adopt sustainable vows (moderate upavāsa), consistent seva, and regular giving; prioritize continuity and sincerity over extremity.
Vishishtadvaita: Supports the Vishishtadvaita emphasis on embodied practice (service, giving) as meaningful offerings to the Lord within the real, value-laden world.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse states that in Kali-yuga dharma is sustained through accessible practices—fasting, sincere effort, and charitable giving—chosen according to one’s capacity.
Parāśara presents Kali-yuga dharma as adaptable: rather than demanding uniform austerities, it is fulfilled through suitable observances (anushthānas) aligned with a person’s ability and circumstances.
By defining yuga-dharma, the Purana frames moral order as part of Vishnu’s cosmic governance—dharma persists even in Kali through practicable disciplines that keep beings aligned with the Supreme Reality.