Shloka 78
Nīti-saṅgraha: Conduct, Association, Kali-yuga Decline, and the Supremacy of Vidyā
कुब्जस्य कीटघातस्य वातान्निष्कासितस्य च / शिखरे वसतस्तस्य वरं जन्म न याचितम्
kubjasya kīṭaghātasya vātānniṣkāsitasya ca / śikhare vasatastasya varaṃ janma na yācitam
من وُلد أحدب، أو سُحقته الحشرات، أو طردته الرياح، أو أُلزم السكنى على قمة—فمثل هذا الميلاد لا ينبغي أن يُلتمس، ولو على هيئة نعمة.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Certain births and conditions are profoundly afflicted; do not romanticize suffering—seek dharma that prevents such downfall and cultivate compassion for the afflicted.
Vedantic Theme: Duhkha as a feature of samsara; prompts vairagya and ethical action; recognizes embodiment as karma-phala without glorifying pain.
Application: Work to prevent harm and neglect; support those with disability, disease, and displacement; cultivate gratitude and responsible living.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: mountain/peak
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (karma and suffering motifs): descriptions of embodied misery as consequences and as prompts for dharma and detachment
FAQs
This verse stresses that certain embodiments and living conditions are intrinsically painful, serving as a reminder that karma can manifest as suffering and should be avoided through dharmic living.
It implies that the jīva’s post-death trajectory includes rebirth shaped by prior actions; harmful karma can result in difficult bodies and harsh environments, reinforcing moral causality across lifetimes.
Cultivate non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline, and avoid actions that harm other beings—so one does not accumulate causes for painful conditions and debilitating rebirth.