Shloka 31
Mukti-tattva Upadeśa: Knowledge as the Direct Cause of Liberation
प्रारब्धव्ये निरुद्योगी जागर्तव्ये प्रसुप्तकः / विश्वस्तश्च भयस्थाने हा नरः को न हन्यते
prārabdhavye nirudyogī jāgartavye prasuptakaḥ / viśvastaśca bhayasthāne hā naraḥ ko na hanyate
كسولٌ حين يجب الشروع في العمل، نائمٌ حين ينبغي السهر والانتباه، ومطمئنٌّ في موضع الخوف—وا حسرتاه، أيُّ رجلٍ بهذه العيوب لا يُهلك؟
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Pramāda (negligence) and misplaced trust in hazardous contexts lead to inevitable destruction; timely effort and alertness are essential.
Vedantic Theme: Avidyā expressed as pramāda; the need for viveka and apramāda as safeguards on the path to śreyas.
Application: Cultivate situational awareness; act when duty calls; avoid procrastination; verify trust and assess risk; maintain daily disciplines that prevent moral and practical collapse.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana admonitions on pramāda leading to papa and suffering; Garuda Purana ethical counsel on vigilance and right conduct
FAQs
This verse teaches that dharmic living requires timely effort and alertness; negligence and blind trust in risky situations lead to ruin.
The text repeatedly stresses personal responsibility—carelessness in life contributes to suffering and unfavorable outcomes; hence one must act rightly and remain discerning.
Do necessary duties without delay, stay attentive where consequences are serious, and avoid overtrusting in unsafe contexts—combine faith with discernment.