Dharma of Non-Injury, Non-Stealing, Purity, and Avoidance of Hypocrisy (Ācāra and Saṅkarya-Nivṛtti)
नास्थिभस्मकपालानि न केशान्न च कण्टकान् / तुषाङ्गारकरीषं वा नाधितिष्ठेत् कदाचन
nāsthibhasmakapālāni na keśānna ca kaṇṭakān / tuṣāṅgārakarīṣaṃ vā nādhitiṣṭhet kadācana
ไม่พึงเหยียบกระดูก เถ้า หรือกะโหลกศีรษะ ไม่พึงเหยียบเส้นผมหรือหนาม และไม่พึงเหยียบแกลบ ถ่านคุกรุ่น หรือมูลสัตว์ในกาลใดๆ
Traditional narrator (Purāṇic instruction within a dharma/ācāra section; framed as authoritative śāstric guidance in the Kurma Purana)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Indirectly: it teaches outer śauca (purity) and careful conduct, which serve as preparatory disciplines for inner clarity—supporting the yogic pursuit of realizing the Atman through a steady, unobstructed mind.
It emphasizes yama-like ethical restraint and mindful bodily discipline—avoiding contact with impure or harmful objects—supporting ritual purity and the focused lifestyle that undergirds Pashupata-oriented sādhana and meditation.
By presenting universally applicable dharma-ācāra rather than sectarian markers: the Kurma Purana’s synthesis frames purity and disciplined conduct as common ground for both Shaiva and Vaishnava worship and yogic practice.