Shloka 9
Jñāna-hetu-nirūpaṇa
On the Causes/Means of Knowledge
तावन्न जानाति विधिः खगेन्द्र ज्ञाने विधातुश्च स्वयोग्यभूते / अतो विरिञ्चस्य न चिन्तनीयो ह्यज्ञानलेशः क्वापि देशे च काले
tāvanna jānāti vidhiḥ khagendra jñāne vidhātuśca svayogyabhūte / ato viriñcasya na cintanīyo hyajñānaleśaḥ kvāpi deśe ca kāle
হে খগেন্দ্র! যতক্ষণ বিধি/বিধাতা ব্রহ্মা তাঁর যোগ্য সত্যজ্ঞান লাভ না করেন, ততক্ষণ দেশ-কালভেদে কোথাও কখনও অজ্ঞানের লেশ প্রকাশ পেতে পারে। অতএব বিরিঞ্চ (ব্রহ্মা)-র কোনো আপাত ত্রুটি নিয়ে চিন্তিত হওয়া উচিত নয়।
Lord Vishnu (addressing Garuda)
Concept: Even Brahma may exhibit a localized, time-bound ‘lesha’ of ignorance until his proper realization; therefore do not be disturbed by apparent imperfections in him.
Vedantic Theme: Gradation of knowledge among jivas; avidya as contingent/episodic in function; avoid doṣa-darśana (fault-finding) in great beings.
Application: Suspend harsh judgment of teachers/elders; interpret apparent lapses contextually; focus on one’s own sadhana rather than scandal or perfectionism.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Continuation of Brahma’s tapas narrative in 3.12.10–12
FAQs
This verse states that until the knowledge fully appropriate to Brahmā’s role is realized, a minor trace of ignorance can appear in some context; it teaches that such appearances should not become grounds for doubt or criticism.
It cautions that even exalted beings may show contextual limitations, so a seeker should focus on the essential teaching rather than obsessing over perceived inconsistencies.
Avoid harsh judgment based on isolated mistakes—retain discernment, but prioritize humility and steady pursuit of right knowledge (jñāna) and dharma.