Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 24
The Nature of Knowledge, the Guru as Living Tīrtha, and the Law of Final Remembrance
ज्ञानध्यानस्थितो नित्यमहमेव द्विजोत्तम । समे बालस्वभावेन कौतुकात्करसंस्थितः
jñānadhyānasthito nityamahameva dvijottama | same bālasvabhāvena kautukātkarasaṃsthitaḥ
اے بہترین دِوِج! میں ہمیشہ گیان اور دھیان میں قائم رہتا ہوں۔ ہموار زمین پر بچگانہ طبیعت کے ساتھ، محض تجسس کے سبب ہاتھ میں ٹھہرا رہتا ہوں۔
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa 123)
Concept: True steadiness in jñāna-dhyāna can coexist with childlike simplicity; curiosity need not contradict contemplation when the heart remains pure.
Application: Practice daily meditation with humility; keep a beginner’s mind—curious yet non-grasping; avoid spiritual pride.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A gentle parrot sits calmly on an open palm, eyes half-closed as if meditating, yet tilting its head with innocent curiosity. Nearby, a brāhmaṇa’s quiet room holds a small Viṣṇu lamp and a tulasī pot, suggesting a life where contemplation and simple wonder mingle.","primary_figures":["meditative parrot (narrating ‘I’)","brāhmaṇa (listener addressed as dvijoत्तama)"],"setting":"Quiet household shrine corner or āśrama cell with palm-leaf manuscripts, japa-mālā, and a small altar.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lamp gold","smoke gray","parrot green","coconut brown","lotus pink"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-up devotional composition—parrot with a subtle gold halo perched on a jeweled hand mudrā; background Viṣṇu lamp and tulasī in ornate pot; heavy gold leaf highlights on lamp flame and jewelry; rich reds/greens with traditional South Indian iconographic framing.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate interior with delicate textiles and a small shrine niche; parrot poised on a hand, serene expression; soft pastel palette with fine linework; a window opening to a quiet garden to evoke contemplative air.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized parrot and hand with bold outlines; rhythmic flame motif of the lamp; saturated reds/yellows/greens; decorative border of lotus and tulasī leaves; large calm eyes emphasizing dhyāna.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central meditating parrot on a devotee’s palm, surrounded by concentric lotus rings; border filled with tulasī sprigs, conch and chakra motifs; deep blue background with gold detailing and peacocks in corners."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["oil lamp crackle","soft japa murmurs","night breeze","distant temple bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नित्यमहमेव = नित्यम् + अहम् + एव; कौतुकात्करसंस्थितः = कौतुकात् + करसंस्थितः
FAQs
It combines steadiness in knowledge and meditation (jñāna–dhyāna) with bāla-svabhāva—childlike simplicity and openness—suggesting purity without pretension alongside inner discipline.
Kautuka implies a spontaneous, unforced engagement—acting or remaining present without heavy self-importance—often used to indicate effortless, playful sincerity rather than calculated display.
Yes: cultivate steady contemplative practice while keeping the mind humble, simple, and free from pride—like a child—so that spiritual life remains sincere and not performative.