Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 16
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
शमो दमस्तप: शौचं सन्तोष: क्षान्तिरार्जवम् । मद्भक्तिश्च दया सत्यं ब्रह्मप्रकृतयस्त्विमा: ॥ १६ ॥
śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ santoṣaḥ kṣāntir ārjavam mad-bhaktiś ca dayā satyaṁ brahma-prakṛtayas tv imāḥ
An tịnh, tự chế, khổ hạnh, thanh tịnh, tri túc, nhẫn nhục, ngay thẳng, bhakti đối với Ta, lòng từ bi và chân thật—đó là phẩm chất tự nhiên của các brāhmaṇa.
FAQs
The verse lists peacefulness, sense control, austerity, cleanliness, contentment, tolerance, straightforwardness, devotion to Kṛṣṇa, compassion, and truthfulness as brāhmaṇa qualities.
In the Uddhava-gītā teachings, Kṛṣṇa explains varṇāśrama-dharma and the inner virtues that support spiritual life, showing Uddhava the character traits that sustain knowledge and devotion.
Practice daily restraint of the senses, keep a clean and simple routine, speak truthfully, cultivate compassion, and anchor the mind in devotion to Kṛṣṇa—these habits gradually establish inner peace and self-mastery.