Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 51
Annadāna and the Obstruction of Viṣṇu-Darśana; Vāmadeva’s Teaching and the Vāsudeva Stotra Prelude
स्वभावलांगलेनापि श्रद्धा शस्त्रेण भेदयेत् । वृषभौ तु मतौ नित्यं बुद्धिश्चैव तपस्तथा
svabhāvalāṃgalenāpi śraddhā śastreṇa bhedayet | vṛṣabhau tu matau nityaṃ buddhiścaiva tapastathā
தன் இயல்பாகிய கலப்பையினாலும், நம்பிக்கையாகிய ஆயுதத்தால் (தடைகளை) வெட்ட வேண்டும். சரியான நிச்சயம் எப்போதும் எருதுபோல் (பணியை இழுக்கும்); அதுபோல அறிவும் தவமும் துணைபுரியும்.
Unspecified (context not provided; likely within a Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue in Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Sandhi Resolution Notes: लांगलेनापि = लाङ्गलेन + अपि; बुद्धिश्चैव = बुद्धिः + च + एव.
FAQs
It uses farming imagery to teach inner practice: cultivate life through one’s innate nature, but overcome obstacles by faith, guided by right conviction, discernment, and austerity.
A yoke-pair of bulls symbolizes the steady power that pulls a plough; here it points to firm right conviction as the constant driving force behind spiritual and ethical effort.
Faith without discernment can become blind, and discernment without discipline can remain theoretical; the verse recommends integrating trust, clear understanding, and sustained self-effort.