Dharma of Non-Injury, Non-Stealing, Purity, and Avoidance of Hypocrisy (Ācāra and Saṅkarya-Nivṛtti)
नाकारणाद् वा निष्ठीवेन्न बाहुभ्यां नदीं तरेत् / न पादक्षालनं कुर्यात् पादेनैव कदाचन
nākāraṇād vā niṣṭhīvenna bāhubhyāṃ nadīṃ taret / na pādakṣālanaṃ kuryāt pādenaiva kadācana
Không nên khạc nhổ khi không có lý do chính đáng. Không nên vượt sông bằng cách bơi chỉ dùng hai tay. Không bao giờ được rửa một bàn chân bằng chính bàn chân kia.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing on dharma and ritual purity
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Indirectly: it emphasizes shauca (purity) and disciplined conduct, which in the Kurma Purana function as preparatory supports for inner clarity needed for Atman-realization.
The verse points to foundational niyamas—especially shauca and restraint of impulsive acts—creating steadiness and cleanliness that support mantra-japa, dhyana, and Pashupata-style disciplined living.
By presenting universal dharma (purity and restraint) taught by Lord Kurma, it aligns with the Purana’s Shaiva–Vaishnava synthesis: the same ethical discipline undergirds devotion and yoga whether oriented to Vishnu or Shiva.