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
کسی بھی جاندار سے عداوت نہ رکھے؛ دوئی سے آزاد اور بے خوف ہو۔ رات کو کچھ نہ کھائے؛ رات کو دھیان میں مشغول رہے۔
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.