Brahmā’s Instruction on Brahmacarya, Vānaprastha, and the Aliṅga Path
Ethics of Non-attachment
नाददीत परस्वानि न गृह्नीयादयाचित: । न किंचिद् विषयं भुक्त्वा स्पृहयेत् तस्य वै पुन:
nādadīta parasvāni na gṛhnīyādayācitaḥ | na kiñcid viṣayaṃ bhuktvā spṛhayet tasya vai punaḥ ||
नाददीत परस्वानि न गृह्णीयादयाचितः। न किंचिद्विषयं भुक्त्वा स्पृहयेत् तस्य वै पुनः॥
वायुदेव उवाच
The verse teaches three restraints central to dharma: do not appropriate what belongs to others (asteya), do not accept gifts or goods unless properly offered/asked for (avoiding opportunistic taking), and after enjoying sense-objects, do not relapse into renewed craving—cultivating contentment and mastery over desire.
In Ashvamedhika Parva, Vāyudeva speaks as a moral instructor, laying down practical rules of conduct. Here he summarizes disciplined behavior regarding property, receiving, and enjoyment—guidance meant to shape righteous living after the great war.