Shloka 1
Brahmā’s Instruction on Brahmacarya, Vānaprastha, and the Aliṅga Path
Ethics of Non-attachment
ऑपन--माज बछ। ःडिज षट्चत्वारिशो5 ध्याय: ब्रह्मचारी
brahmovāca—evam etena mārgeṇa pūrvoktena yathāvidhi | adhītavān yathāśakti tathaiva brahmacaryavān |
ब्रह्मोवाच—एवमेतेन मार्गेण पूर्वोक्तेन यथाविधि। अधीतवान् यथाशक्ति तथैव ब्रह्मचर्यवान्॥ स्वधर्मनिरतो विद्वान् सर्वेन्द्रिययतो मुनिः। गुरोः प्रियहिते युक्तः सत्यधर्मपरः शुचिः॥
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes ashrama-dharma for a brahmacārin: study within one’s capacity, strict observance of celibate discipline, control of the senses, sage-like restraint, service that benefits the guru, truthful speech, and commitment to dharma and purity.
A didactic discourse is underway in which divine authority (Brahmā, within the broader dialogue context) lays down the proper conduct for the life-stages—here focusing on the brahmacārin’s disciplined training as the foundation for righteous living.