Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 37
Discrimination of the Qualities of Poetry (Kāvya-guṇa-viveka) — Closing Verse/Colophon Transition
बध्नन्ति व्यतिपश्यन्तो यद्विशिष्टैः स उच्यते परिग्रहादप्यसतां सतामेवापरिग्रहात्
badhnanti vyatipaśyanto yadviśiṣṭaiḥ sa ucyate parigrahādapyasatāṃ satāmevāparigrahāt
Diejenigen, die durch Vergleich unterscheiden und dadurch (andere) binden, heißen wegen ihres Besitzergreifens „asat“. Die „sat“ hingegen heißen so gerade aufgrund der Nicht-Anhaftung an Besitz (aparigraha).
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, as the standard Agni Purana narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Ethical governance and personal conduct: cultivate aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and satya-like nobility; avoid binding others through comparative judgment and acquisitiveness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Sat/Asat Criterion via Aparigraha and Parigraha","lookup_keywords":["aparigraha","parigraha","sat","asat","nīti"],"quick_summary":"Defines ‘sat’ as marked by non-possessiveness and ‘asat’ by possessiveness that leads to binding and harm. Practical takeaway: reduce grasping to reduce coercion and social bondage."}
Concept: Moral ontology of ‘sat’ vs ‘asat’ grounded in non-possessiveness vs possessiveness; coercive comparison binds others.
Application: In rulership and daily life, limit acquisition, practice generosity, and avoid manipulative comparison; measure nobility by freedom given to others.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct; virtues like aparigraha and satya)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moral tableau contrasting two figures: one hoarding possessions and binding others with chains of obligation; the other simple, open-handed, unburdened, embodying aparigraha and ‘sat’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, two-panel didactic scene: left a wealthy grasping figure with attendants bound by symbolic cords; right a serene ascetic/wise minister offering alms, calm faces, bold outlines, traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, central ‘sat’ figure with gold halo and minimal possessions, hands in giving gesture; side vignette of ‘asat’ hoarder with ornate jewelry and heavy chests, gold work emphasizing contrast.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition with labels ‘parigraha’ and ‘aparigraha’, gentle colors, clear gestures of taking vs giving, courtly setting for rājadharma context.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court scene: a just ruler refusing bribes and distributing charity contrasted with a corrupt official hoarding; fine textiles, architectural backdrop, subtle moral symbolism (scales, chains)."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यद्विशिष्टैः = यत् + विशिष्टैः; परिग्रहादपि = परिग्रहात् + अपि; सतामेव = सताम् + एव; एवापरिग्रहात् = एव + अपरिग्रहात्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 346.40 (apara/para vidyā; liberation)
FAQs
Niti-vidya (ethical science): it defines ‘sat’ and ‘asat’ through the practical criterion of aparigraha (non-grasping) versus parigraha (possessive acquisition), a core discipline for self-restraint and fair governance.
Alongside rituals, temple matters, medicine, and warfare, the Agni Purana also codifies civic and personal ethics; this verse functions like a concise moral definition used in Rajadharma/Niti sections to guide rulers and citizens.
Aparigraha reduces bondage (bandhana) created by craving and social entanglement; cultivating non-possessiveness supports purity of intention, lowers harmful attachment, and aligns action with dharmic merit.