Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 68
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
विशत्याशु पशुभ्यश्च कृष्यादानरतिः शुचिः । वेदाध्ययनसंपन्नः स वैश्य इति संज्ञितः ॥ ६८ ॥
viśatyāśu paśubhyaśca kṛṣyādānaratiḥ śuciḥ | vedādhyayanasaṃpannaḥ sa vaiśya iti saṃjñitaḥ || 68 ||
மாடுகள் முதலிய கால்நடைகளைப் பராமரிப்பதில் விரைவாக ஈடுபட்டு, வேளாண்மையிலும் தானத்திலும் விருப்பமுடையவனாய், நடத்தையில் தூய்மையுடன் இருந்து, வேதஅத்தியயனத்தில் தேர்ச்சியடைந்தவனே வைசியன் என குறிப்பிடப்படுகிறான்।
Narada (teaching in dialogue with Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It defines Vaiśya-lakṣaṇa (the marks of a Vaiśya) by joining livelihood with purity, charity, and Vedic learning—showing that economic activity becomes dharmic when aligned with śauca (purity) and adhyayana (study).
While not explicitly naming bhakti, it supports a bhakti-friendly life by prescribing śuci (purity) and dāna (generosity), which are classic supportive virtues for devotion and worship-oriented living in Purāṇic dharma.
The verse emphasizes vedādhyayana (Vedic study/recitation). In practice this implies competence in Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (grammar) to preserve correct chanting and understanding, even while pursuing agriculture and charitable giving.