Shloka 15
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
स बन्धुर्यो हिते युक्तः स पिता यस्तु पोषकः / तन्मित्रं यत्र विश्वासः स देशो यत्र जीव्यते
sa bandhuryo hite yuktaḥ sa pitā yastu poṣakaḥ / tanmitraṃ yatra viśvāsaḥ sa deśo yatra jīvyate
القريب الحقّ هو من يلازم نفعك، والأب الحقّ هو من يعول ويربّي. والصديق الحقّ حيث تكون الثقة، والوطن الحقّ هو الموضع الذي يُعاش فيه بكرامةٍ وأمان.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)
Concept: Definitions by function: relative = one committed to your welfare; father = nurturer; friend = where trust exists; homeland = where one can truly live (securely and honorably).
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa/karma-based valuation over nāma-rūpa labels; dharmic relationality as support for inner steadiness (śama).
Application: Prioritize relationships that provide genuine care; cultivate trustworthiness; choose environments (work/community) that support ethical living and safety.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: settlement/region
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108 (nīti on social roles and true markers)
FAQs
This verse defines relationships by dharmic function—welfare, nourishment, and trust—showing that moral reliability, not mere labels, makes someone truly a relative, father, or friend.
Indirectly, it supports the broader Garuda Purana ethic that right living and dependable bonds uphold dharma—foundational for good karma that shapes one’s post-death journey described elsewhere in the text.
Evaluate relationships by actions: choose companions who protect your well-being, cultivate trustworthiness, fulfill duties of care, and live where you can practice dharma safely and steadily.