Shloka 23
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
यदाकल्प: स्वक्रियायां व्याधिभिर्जरयाथवा । आन्वीक्षिक्यां वा विद्यायां कुर्यादनशनादिकम् ॥ २३ ॥
yadākalpaḥ sva-kriyāyāṁ vyādhibhir jarayāthavā ānvīkṣikyāṁ vā vidyāyāṁ kuryād anaśanādikam
நோய் அல்லது முதுமை காரணமாக விதிக்கப்பட்ட கடமைகளையோ வேதப் பயில்வையோ செய்ய இயலாதபோது, ஆன்ம முன்னேற்றத்திற்காக உபவாசம் முதலிய அன்னத்யாகத்தைப் பழக வேண்டும்।
FAQs
This verse states that when one becomes unable to perform prescribed duties due to illness or old age, or when one has matured in spiritual knowledge, one should adopt austerities such as fasting as a supportive practice for spiritual focus.
In the context of describing varṇāśrama-dharma and the path of gradual purification, Śukadeva explains that when active duties can no longer be sustained—or when discernment is mature—one should shift toward renunciation-based disciplines like fasting.
As responsibilities change with health or age, one can simplify life, reduce sense-indulgence, and adopt moderate, medically appropriate austerities (like occasional fasting and restraint) to deepen prayer, study, and devotion.