Parīkṣit’s Final Absorption, Takṣaka’s Bite, Janamejaya’s Snake Sacrifice, and the Vedic Sound-Lineage
याज्ञवल्क्यश्च तच्छिष्य आहाहो भगवन् कियत् । चरितेनाल्पसाराणां चरिष्येऽहं सुदुश्चरम् ॥ ६२ ॥
yājñavalkyaś ca tac-chiṣya āhāho bhagavan kiyat caritenālpa-sārāṇāṁ cariṣye ’haṁ su-duścaram
有一次,毗舍波耶那的弟子阎若婆迦对师尊说:“噫,尊者!凭这些软弱弟子微薄的行持,能得几许功德?我将亲自修行极其难行的卓绝苦行。”
This verse highlights the impulse to undertake “suduścara” (very difficult) austerity, while also implying that such practices may not be suitable or fruitful for those of “alpasāra” (little spiritual strength/essence).
He contrasts ordinary, weaker practitioners with his own determination, suggesting that common conduct may not elevate those lacking inner steadiness, and declaring his resolve to attempt a more demanding discipline.
Choose spiritual practices according to one’s capacity and consistency, and increase discipline gradually—steadiness and sincerity matter more than adopting extreme vows that cannot be maintained.