Shloka 30
Nīti for Calamity, Wealth, Friendship, Charity, and Restraint of Kāma
तस्करस्य वधो दण्डः कुमित्रस्याल्पभाषणम् / पृथक् शय्या तु नारीणां ब्राह्मणस्यानिमन्त्रणम्
taskarasya vadho daṇḍaḥ kumitrasyālpabhāṣaṇam / pṛthak śayyā tu nārīṇāṃ brāhmaṇasyānimantraṇam
Für den Dieb ist die Strafe die Hinrichtung; mit einem schlechten Freund soll man nur wenig reden. Frauen sollen getrennt schlafen; und ein Brāhmaṇa darf, wenn es die Riten erfordern, nicht ohne Einladung bleiben.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Social order is maintained by proportionate punishment, prudent association, regulated household conduct, and honoring the worthy (especially brāhmaṇas) through proper invitation.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as loka-saṅgraha (maintenance of social harmony) through niyama (regulation) and saṅga-viveka (discernment in company).
Application: Uphold lawful consequences for theft; limit intimacy and disclosure with harmful companions; maintain household boundaries; ensure due invitations/offerings to brāhmaṇas in rites and hospitality contexts.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.109 (niti/dharma counsel cluster)
FAQs
This verse frames dharma as both social order (punishing theft) and self-discipline (restrained speech and careful association), showing that ethical living prevents harm to society and oneself.
By emphasizing dharmic conduct—avoiding theft, bad company, and neglect of duties—it implies that one’s choices shape karmic outcomes, which later influence post-death experiences described elsewhere in the Garuda Purana.
Avoid dishonest gain, limit engagement with harmful influences, maintain clear personal boundaries, and practice respectful hospitality toward learned and deserving guests.