Shloka 4
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
मूर्खशिष्योपदेशेन दुष्टस्त्रीभरणेन च / दुष्टानां संप्रयोगेण पण्डितो ऽप्यवसीदति
mūrkhaśiṣyopadeśena duṣṭastrībharaṇena ca / duṣṭānāṃ saṃprayogeṇa paṇḍito 'pyavasīdati
Durch das Belehren eines törichten Schülers, durch das Unterhalten einer schlechten Frau und durch Umgang mit den Bösen gerät selbst ein Gelehrter ins Verderben.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda / Vinata-putra)
Concept: Even paṇḍitas decline through three drains: futile instruction to an unfit disciple, sustaining an adhārmic spouse, and association with the wicked.
Vedantic Theme: Mind’s purity (antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi) is fragile; saṅga and daily duties shape vāsanās more than mere learning.
Application: Teach only receptive students; set standards and boundaries in mentorship; do not enable unethical behavior in family systems; audit one’s inner circle regularly.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108 (nīti on saṅga and prudence)
FAQs
This verse states that association (saṃprayoga) with the wicked can cause even a learned person to fall, making discernment in relationships a core dharmic safeguard.
By emphasizing moral decline through harmful associations, it implies that one’s choices and conduct shape karma, which in turn influences one’s post-death trajectory described elsewhere in the Garuda Purana.
Choose mentors, students, partners, and peer groups carefully; minimize prolonged involvement with destructive behaviors, and cultivate uplifting company that supports ethical living.