Shloka 17
Dharma of the Conduct of the Vānaprastha Āśrama
Forest-Dweller Discipline
यस्तु पत्न्या वनं गत्वा मैथुनं कामतश्चरेत् । तद्व्रतं तस्य लुप्येत प्रायश्चित्तीयते द्विजः
yastu patnyā vanaṃ gatvā maithunaṃ kāmataścaret | tadvrataṃ tasya lupyeta prāyaścittīyate dvijaḥ
لیکن جو مرد بیوی کے ساتھ جنگل جا کر خواہش کے تحت مباشرت کرے، اس کا وہ ورت (نذر) باطل ہو جاتا ہے؛ پھر دْوِج کو پرایَشچِت کرنا لازم ہے۔
Unspecified (context-dependent narrator/instructor in Svarga-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Sexual indulgence motivated by desire nullifies the vow; expiation is required to restore ritual and moral order.
Application: Treat commitments (spiritual or ethical) as living vows: avoid rationalizing lapses; if broken, acknowledge, make amends, and re-establish discipline with humility.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: forest
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a secluded forest glade, a couple stands at the edge of a vow-circle marked with kuśa grass; the air feels heavy as a broken vow is symbolized by a snapped sacred thread motif in the composition. Nearby, a repentant twice-born man kneels before a small altar, preparing expiation with water-pot and fire, while the forest watches in solemn stillness.","primary_figures":["dvija vratī (repentant)","wife (as companion)","symbolic Dharma/Agni presence (optional)"],"setting":"Forest clearing with kuśa boundary, small fire altar, expiation implements (kamaṇḍalu, ladle), and subdued natural surroundings.","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["charcoal gray","ember red","pale silver","deep green","saffron"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic vow-break and expiation tableau—repentant dvija kneeling by a gold-leaf fire altar, kuśa circle and ritual vessels richly ornamented; the couple placed to one side with restrained expressions; ornate border, deep reds and greens, symbolic snapped-thread motif rendered decoratively.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate forest scene with delicate lines; the dvija performs prāyaścitta by a small fire, moonlight filtering through trees; subdued palette, refined faces conveying remorse and resolve; symbolic elements (broken vow-circle) subtly integrated.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, expressive eyes showing repentance; stylized forest and altar; strong red-yellow-green pigments with dark background; Agni rendered as a compact radiant form, emphasizing ritual consequence.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: moral allegory composition—central expiation fire with ornate floral border; deep blue night field, gold highlights; symbolic broken garland/thread motif; peacocks and lotuses as witnesses, devotional framing despite the warning tone."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["crackling fire","low wind","single bell strike","silence after admonition"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यस्तु = यः + तु; पत्न्या (पत्नी + आ); कामतश्चरेत् = कामतः + चरेत्; तद्व्रतम् = तत् + व्रतम्
FAQs
It states that if one breaks a religious observance by engaging in intercourse out of desire during the intended restraint, the vow becomes void and expiation is required.
The forest here signals a setting associated with austerity and vow-observance; even with one’s lawful spouse, indulgence “out of desire” is treated as a breach of the intended discipline.
Dharma is upheld not merely by external acts but by inner restraint and intention; desire-driven indulgence undermines the sanctity of a vowed practice and calls for corrective atonement.