Verse 10 refines the understanding of siddhānta’s significance, explicitly linking it to the Purāṇas – ancient narratives and cosmological accounts – and highlighting the inherent flaws of the Vedic and “worldly” ( laukika) paths. The assertion that “listening to siddhānta is declared by the wise as listening to the Purāṇas” suggests a pragmatic approach to knowledge acquisition; the Purāṇas, with their rich symbolic language, offer a vehicle for accessing the same underlying truths as the Upanishads. However, the verse simultaneously identifies actions deemed “reproachable” (kutsitam karma) within the Vedic and worldly frameworks as things to be avoided. This implies a critique of ritualistic observance and a focus on the experiential, transformative power of siddhānta, rather than mere adherence to external rules or practices. The concept of karma – action and consequence – is invoked here not simply as a cosmological principle, but as a moral imperative, emphasizing the importance of actions aligned with righteous knowledge, a crucial element in the yogi’s pursuit of liberation.