Shloka 16
Multi-form Manifestations, Indra–Kāma Incarnations, Pravāha, and the Twofold Buddhi
Sense-Discipline and Exclusive Refuge in Viṣṇu
यथा मयोच्यते वीन्द्र तथा जानीहि नान्यथा / तदनन्तरजान्वक्ष्ये शृणु काश्यपजोत्तम
yathā mayocyate vīndra tathā jānīhi nānyathā / tadanantarajānvakṣye śṛṇu kāśyapajottama
يا خيرَ الطير، افهمْ كما قلتُ لك تمامًا لا على غير ذلك. ثم سأبيّن ما يلي بعده؛ فاستمعْ يا أكرمَ أبناءِ كاشيابا.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Śāstra-vākya is to be received exactly as taught; disciplined listening (śravaṇa) precedes understanding.
Vedantic Theme: Śravaṇa–manana as the gateway to right knowledge; pramāṇa-bhāva of āgama.
Application: Cultivate attentive, non-distorting reception of teachings; avoid selective reinterpretation before grasping the full sequence.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (dialogue frame): repeated ‘śṛṇu khagasattama/kaśyapajoत्तम’ transitions across chapters; Pretakalpa and Dharma-kāṇḍa sections often use the same ‘yathā mayocyate’ formula to mark authoritative instruction
FAQs
This verse stresses faithful transmission of the doctrine: the after-death sequence and rites are to be understood precisely, because the next instructions depend on correct comprehension.
It functions as a transition marker: Vishnu confirms the prior explanation and signals that the narrative will now move to the next stage ‘thereafter,’ continuing the ordered account of post-death events.
Approach śāstric guidance with careful listening and accuracy—especially when learning funeral/śrāddha-related procedures or ethical teachings—so practice aligns with intended dharma.