Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Discussion on the 35 Qualities of Dharmadikari-Marganusari
**Yoga Shastra Pratham Prakash Sloka 46 to 56**
**17. Eating Pathya Food at the Right Time**
It is essential for a Sadgrihastha (householder) to eat food in accordance with their nature, taste, digestive fire, and capacity, without attachment, when they feel hungry. If they eat more than their capacity, they will suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, or other diseases, and may even die. Therefore, overeating is not advisable. However, even nectar consumed without hunger becomes poison. And if one eats after the time of hunger has passed, they will experience aversion and disgust towards food, and suffer pain in the body. "Adding fuel to a fire after it has been extinguished is useless."
Consuming food and water that are suitable for one's body and capacity, and that are enjoyable, is called "Satmya." Such Satmya, if practiced throughout life, even if the food is poison, will be beneficial once. One should consume only those foods that are Pathya (suitable) even if they are excessively Satmya. One should not consume unsuitable and harmful substances, even if they are considered Satmya due to their taste. "Everything is beneficial for the strong," do not consume poison thinking this way. Even a person who is knowledgeable about poisons and highly skilled can die from poison at some point.
**18. Practicing the Three Purusharthas (Goals of Life) Without Hindrance**
Dharma, Artha, and Kama are called the three Purusharthas. Dharma is that which leads to Abhyudaya (worldly progress) and Moksha (liberation). Artha is that which fulfills all worldly purposes. Kama is the pleasure derived from the senses, born out of pride, and associated with all sensual pleasures. A Sadgrihastha should practice these three Purusharthas in such a way that they do not hinder each other. However, it is not advisable to practice only one or two of them.
Ethics experts also say, "Without practicing the three Purusharthas - Dharma, Artha, and Kama - in a way that does not contradict each other, a person is no different from a blacksmith's bellows, breathing but not truly alive." If someone neglects Dharma and becomes greedy for worldly pleasures, they become like a wild elephant, prone to disaster. Because one who is indifferent to Dharma and Artha and is excessively attached to sensual pleasures will lose Dharma, Artha, and their body, becoming dependent and miserable. Similarly, one who neglects Dharma and Kama and is solely focused on earning wealth will not experience true joy in life nor find mental peace. Ultimately, others will enjoy their wealth. Sons-in-law, partners, the government, or others will seize their wealth. They will only be left with their hard work. Just as a lion, by killing an elephant, only becomes a partaker of sin, so too will they only become a partaker of sin.
It is not appropriate for a householder to neglect Artha and Kama and only practice Dharma, because they have duties towards their family, society, and country. If they become engrossed in solitary religious practices, they will become irresponsible and unhappy. They will have to depend on others for their livelihood. Therefore, while Sadhus (ascetics) can fully dedicate themselves to Dharma, householders are often unable to do so. They can worship and serve the Shramans (ascetics). Therefore, one should practice Artha and Kama in a way that does not hinder Dharma. A farmer who eats the seeds meant for sowing will suffer with his family due to a lack of seeds in the future. Similarly, a person who does not practice Dharma in the present will not attain happiness or welfare in the future. Truly, only that person is happy who experiences the happiness of this world in a way that does not hinder the happiness of the next birth.
One who abandons earning wealth and only practices Dharma and Kama becomes indebted. One who abandons Kama and only practices Dharma and Artha becomes a misfortune for their household, and their family members remain dissatisfied. Therefore, a householder who completely neglects Kama cannot sustain their household life.
A householder who practices each of the three Purusharthas in isolation becomes like a Tadatmik, Mulahar, and Kadarya, hindering their own growth. A Tadatmik is one who spends their earned wealth without thinking. A Mulahar is one who consumes the wealth inherited from their ancestors or other forefathers in an unethical manner. A Kadarya is one who...