Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
Yuga-Dharma Framework, Kali-Yuga Diagnosis, and the Hari-Nāma Remedy
Transition to Vedānta Inquiry
असत्यनिरताश्चापि केचित्तत्र द्विजोत्तमाः । ब्राह्मणाद्याश्च वर्णाः स्युः केचिद्रागादिदुर्गुणाः ॥ १७ ॥
asatyaniratāścāpi kecittatra dvijottamāḥ | brāhmaṇādyāśca varṇāḥ syuḥ kecidrāgādidurguṇāḥ || 17 ||
O pinakamahusay sa mga dalawang-ulit na isinilang, doon ay may ilan ding nahuhumaling sa kasinungalingan; at sa mga uri ng lipunan mula sa brāhmaṇa, may ilan na may dungis gaya ng rāga (pagkakapit) at iba pang bisyo.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It warns that mere birth or social designation does not guarantee virtue; spiritual progress requires satya (truthfulness) and the removal of inner faults like attachment.
Bhakti is sustained by purity of character—especially truthfulness and freedom from rāga; the verse implies that without these, outward religious identity cannot mature into genuine devotion.
No specific Vedāṅga is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is ethical discipline (satya and control of rāga), which supports correct performance of Vedic duties and rituals.