Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 54
दक्षयज्ञे सत्या अपमानबोधः — Satī Encounters Disrespect at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
प्रवृत्तं च निवृत्तं च द्विविधं कर्मचोदि तम् । वेदे विविच्य वृत्तं च तद्विचार्यं मनीषिभिः
pravṛttaṃ ca nivṛttaṃ ca dvividhaṃ karmacodi tam | vede vivicya vṛttaṃ ca tadvicāryaṃ manīṣibhiḥ
经由圣典所敕令的业行有二：pravṛtti（趋入、行世）与 nivṛtti（退离、出离）。当依《吠陀》所示辨明其正当范围后，智者当加以省思而作正择，使所行之法成为净化之途，并终在主宰（Pati）湿婆（Śiva）之庇护下得解脱。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Frames dharma as twofold—pravṛtti and nivṛtti—guiding pilgrims from ritual merit toward inner renunciation and Śiva-oriented liberation; supports the Siddhānta path of caryā–kriyā–yoga–jñāna culminating in grace.
Role: teaching
FAQs
It teaches discernment: Veda-guided action has two paths—pravṛtti (purifying duty) and nivṛtti (inner renunciation). The wise reflect and adopt the course that leads from disciplined conduct to freedom, culminating in liberation through Śiva as Pati (the Lord of souls).
Pravṛtti supports Saguna worship through prescribed rites—pūjā, abhiṣeka, mantra-japa—performed with devotion to the Liṅga, which purifies the mind. Nivṛtti matures that devotion into inward contemplation, where worship becomes steady remembrance of Śiva beyond mere external action.
Follow Veda-aligned daily discipline: perform Śiva-pūjā and japa as pravṛtti, while cultivating nivṛtti through regular meditation, sense-restraint, and contemplation on Śiva as the inner Self; let ritual become a bridge to inner stillness.