Shloka 46
Prāyaścitta: Catalogue of Sins, Narakas, and Graded Expiations
Kṛcchra–Cāndrāyaṇa–Japa
गुरुन्त्वं कृत्य हुङ्कृत्य विप्रं निर्जित्य वाद तः / प्रसाद्य तं च मुनयस्ततो ह्युपवसेद्दिनम्
guruntvaṃ kṛtya huṅkṛtya vipraṃ nirjitya vāda taḥ / prasādya taṃ ca munayastato hyupavaseddinam
Hat man sich dem Lehrer gegenüber überheblich verhalten, einen Brāhmaṇa beleidigt und ihn im Streitgespräch besiegt, so sollen die Weisen ihn besänftigen und um Vergebung bitten; danach soll man wahrlich einen ganzen Tag fasten.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Aparādha toward guru/brāhmaṇa requires prasādana (seeking grace/forgiveness) and bodily restraint (fast) to neutralize arrogance.
Vedantic Theme: Ahaṅkāra-kṣaya (diminution of ego) as essential for knowledge; vinaya as gateway to śāstra and inner peace.
Application: When one has wronged a teacher/elder or used learning to humiliate, seek forgiveness directly, repair the relationship, and undertake a concrete act of self-discipline (e.g., a day fast) to mark reform.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.105 (atonements for offenses against teachers/brāhmaṇas)
FAQs
This verse presents reconciliation as essential dharma: after wrongdoing (insult and argumentative triumph), one should pacify the offended learned person and restore harmony through sincere apology.
It implies that disrespect toward spiritual authorities creates negative karma, and that prāyaścitta—especially making amends and fasting—helps reduce the karmic burden that can obstruct spiritual progress.
Avoid ego-driven arguments, maintain reverence toward teachers and learned elders, and when you err, apologize directly and adopt a simple discipline (like a one-day fast or restraint) to reinforce humility and self-control.