Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 39
Karma-yoga Discipline for the Twice-born: Upanayana, Upavīta Conduct, Guru-veneration, and Alms-regimen
सम्यगाराध्य वक्तारं विसृष्टस्तदनुज्ञया / शिष्यो विद्याफलं भुङ्क्ते प्रेत्य चापद्यते दिवि
samyagārādhya vaktāraṃ visṛṣṭastadanujñayā / śiṣyo vidyāphalaṃ bhuṅkte pretya cāpadyate divi
Kapag ang guro—tagapagpaliwanag ng banal na aral—ay nararapat na pinarangalan at sinamba, at ang alagad ay pinahintulutang lumisan, tinatamasa niya ang bunga ng kaalamang iyon; at pagpanaw, nararating niya ang daigdig ng langit.
Lord Kūrma (Vishnu) instructing sages on dharma of study and guru-sevā
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
Indirectly: it emphasizes disciplined transmission of sacred knowledge through the guru; such purified vidyā becomes a means to higher attainment, with the immediate stated result being merit and post-mortem ascent to divi (heaven).
The verse highlights the yogic discipline of guru-sevā—humble service, reverence, and receiving formal permission (anujñā) before departing—framing learning as a regulated sādhanā rather than mere information.
By grounding spiritual progress in dharma and right instruction, it supports the Purāṇa’s synthesis: devotion and disciplined practice (central to both Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava paths) are validated as the shared foundation for higher realization.