Shloka 15
Dharma of the Conduct of the Vānaprastha Āśrama
Forest-Dweller Discipline
न द्रुह्येत्सर्वभूतानि निर्द्वंद्वो निर्भयो भवेत् । न नक्तं किंचिदश्नीयाद्रात्रौ ध्यानपरो भवेत्
na druhyetsarvabhūtāni nirdvaṃdvo nirbhayo bhavet | na naktaṃ kiṃcidaśnīyādrātrau dhyānaparo bhavet
ไม่พึงพยาบาทต่อสรรพสัตว์ทั้งปวง; พึงเป็นผู้พ้นจากคู่ตรงข้ามและปราศจากความกลัว ไม่พึงกินสิ่งใดในยามค่ำคืน; ในราตรีพึงตั้งมั่นในสมาธิ
Unspecified (didactic instruction within the Svarga-khaṇḍa narrative context)
Concept: Ahimsa in thought (no malice), equanimity beyond dualities, and night-time fasting support meditation and spiritual fearlessness.
Application: Practice a daily ‘adveṣa vow’: refrain from resentment, reduce reactive speech, and keep evenings light—avoid late meals and reserve night for japa/reading.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moonlit forest hut: the vow-keeper sits in still meditation while nocturnal creatures—deer, owl, and fireflies—gather without fear, sensing his non-malice. A simple untouched meal rests aside, uneaten, as the night becomes a sanctuary of silence and inner light.","primary_figures":["meditating vratī","forest animals (deer, owl)","subtle Viṣṇu presence as a blue radiance within the heart-space (optional)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage interior opening to a moonlit clearing; meditation seat, japa-mālā, small oil lamp, and a covered bowl of food left untouched.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["silver moonlight","deep indigo","lamp-gold","forest green","ash gray"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: meditating ascetic with a gold leaf halo, seated beside a small lamp; gentle forest animals at the threshold; rich maroon and emerald textiles, ornate border, subtle Viṣṇu-blue aura in the background, jewel-like highlights on the mālā and lamp.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: serene night scene with cool indigo wash; delicate trees and a small hut; the ascetic meditates while deer and birds rest nearby; refined facial features, soft moon glow, lyrical stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized moon and foliage; the meditator with large eyes and composed posture; lamp rendered in warm yellow-red pigments against deep green-black background; animals simplified yet expressive.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: night-blue field with intricate floral border; central meditating figure framed by lotus motifs; peacocks and deer arranged symmetrically; gold accents for lamp and moon, devotional stillness reminiscent of nocturnal kīrtan ambience."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["night insects","soft flowing water (distant)","single temple bell","deep silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: द्रुह्येत्सर्वभूतानि = द्रुह्येत् + सर्वभूतानि; किंचिदश्नीयात् = किञ्चित् + अश्नीयात्; अश्नीयाद्रात्रौ = अश्नीयात् + रात्रौ
FAQs
It teaches non-malice toward all beings (a form of ahiṃsā in thought and intent), along with cultivating equanimity beyond opposites and living fearlessly.
The instruction supports restraint and clarity of mind, encouraging a simple regimen that favors inwardness and steadiness—especially suitable for night-time contemplation.
It prescribes being dhyāna-para—devoted to meditation—using the night for focused contemplation rather than sensory indulgence.