Shloka 13
Vānaprastha-vṛtti and the Transition toward the Fourth Āśrama (वानप्रस्थवृत्तिः चतुर्थाश्रमोपक्रमश्च)
अथ संत्वरमाणस्य रथमेवं युयुक्षत: । अक्षरं गन्तुमनसो विधि वक्ष्यामि शीघ्रगम्
atha saṁtvaramāṇasya ratham evaṁ yuyukṣataḥ | akṣaraṁ gantumanaso vidhiṁ vakṣyāmi śīghragam ||
अथ संत्वरमाणस्य रथमेवं युयुक्षतः । अक्षरं गन्तुमनसो विधिं वक्ष्यामि शीघ्रगम् ॥
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames liberation-oriented instruction as a disciplined ‘method’ (vidhi) for a seeker whose mind is fixed on the Akṣara (the Imperishable). It emphasizes urgency and readiness—spiritual progress is presented as something to be undertaken deliberately, with a clear procedure that leads swiftly toward the highest goal.
Vyāsa begins a new segment of guidance: addressing a person who is ‘hastening’ and ‘preparing the chariot,’ he announces that he will explain a fast-acting method to reach the Imperishable. The chariot language signals preparation for a purposeful journey—here, a spiritual journey toward the ultimate reality.