Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 15
Chapter 237 — Rāma’s Teaching on Nīti (रामोक्तनीतिः)
ततः साधुतरः कार्यो दुर्जनाय शिवर्थिना प्रियमेवाभिधातव्यं सत्सु नित्यं द्विषत्सु च
tataḥ sādhutaraḥ kāryo durjanāya śivarthinā priyamevābhidhātavyaṃ satsu nityaṃ dviṣatsu ca
لذلك، من يبتغي اليُمن والبركة ينبغي أن يتصرّف بفضيلةٍ أتمّ حتى مع الشرير؛ وأن لا ينطق إلا بما يسرّ—دائمًا بين الصالحين، وحتى بين الخصوم.
Lord Agni (in instruction on rajadharma/niti, narrated within the Agni Purana’s discourse framework)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Guidelines for speech-ethics and conflict conduct: maintain pleasing, non-inflammatory speech even with adversaries to preserve social harmony and personal auspiciousness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Priyavacana and Sādhutā toward the Wicked","lookup_keywords":["priyavacana","durjana-vyavahara","sadachara","niti","shiva-artha"],"quick_summary":"Auspiciousness is secured by heightened virtue toward the wicked and by speaking only pleasing words among the good and even among enemies."}
Alamkara Type: Antithesis (vyatireka/contrast)
Concept: Auspiciousness (śiva-artha) arises from self-restraint in speech and unwavering virtue irrespective of the other’s character.
Application: Use pleasant, truthful, non-provocative speech in councils, family disputes, and political negotiations; do not mirror hostility.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct and speech)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A calm noble person addressing both a group of virtuous elders and a hostile rival with the same gentle, pleasing speech; the wicked person appears agitated but is met with composure.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, a serene dharmic figure with right hand in teaching gesture speaking sweetly to sages on one side and a scowling adversary on the other, ornate borders, traditional jewelry and textiles","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights, central dignified householder/minister figure, two groups flanking—satpurusha and enemy—depicting priyavacana, rich brocade, gold halo-like ornamentation","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework, instructional moral scene: a counselor demonstrating pleasing speech in a court setting, subtle expressions, soft palette","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly negotiation scene, refined faces, the speaker calm and courteous addressing an adversary, detailed textiles and architecture, balanced composition"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: priyam+eva→priyam eva; eva+abhidhātavyam→evābhidhātavyam; śiva+arthinā→śivarthinā.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 237 (Sadācāra/Rājadharma section); Agni Purana Nīti passages on dāna, kṣamā, satya (nearby verses)
FAQs
Niti-vidya (ethical discipline): cultivate heightened virtue and restrained, pleasing speech even when facing wicked people or enemies.
It exemplifies the text’s rajadharma/niti layer—practical social ethics and diplomatic self-control—alongside its many other domains (ritual, architecture, medicine, poetics).
By choosing virtue and non-harmful speech in hostile contexts, one preserves inner purity and accrues auspicious merit (śiva), avoiding karmic bondage created by harsh words and reactive conduct.