Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 18
Varṇāśrama-ācāra: Common Virtues, Varṇa Duties, and the Four Āśramas
ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियविशां शूद्राणां च द्विजोत्तमा । क्रियाः सामान्यतो वक्ष्ये तच्छृणुष्व समाहितः ॥ १८ ॥
brāhmaṇakṣatriyaviśāṃ śūdrāṇāṃ ca dvijottamā | kriyāḥ sāmānyato vakṣye tacchṛṇuṣva samāhitaḥ || 18 ||
Hỡi bậc tối thắng trong hàng dvija, nay ta sẽ trình bày một cách khái quát những bổn phận và nghi thức chung đã được quy định cho Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya, Vaiśya và Śūdra. Hãy lắng nghe với tâm chuyên nhất.
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It establishes a Dharma-framework: before detailing specific observances, the text signals that righteous action (kriyā) can be taught in a shared, broadly applicable way to all varṇas, to be heard with mental steadiness (samāhita).
Indirectly: it prepares the listener for structured practices that support purity and steadiness—conditions traditionally seen as favorable for sustained devotion, including Vishnu-bhakti, even when the duties differ by social role.
Ritual orientation (kriyā) is foregrounded: the verse introduces a systematic presentation of duties and observances, which typically rely on Vedāṅga supports like Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Śikṣā (correct recitation) even when taught in a “general” form.