Shloka 5
Sat-saṅga, Dharma-Nīti, Karma-Phala, Śauca, and Vairāgya
Overcoming Grief
मधुहेव दुहेत्सारं कुसुमञ्च न घातयेत् / वत्सापेक्षी दुहेत्क्षीरं भूमिं गाञ्चैव पार्थिपः
madhuheva duhetsāraṃ kusumañca na ghātayet / vatsāpekṣī duhetkṣīraṃ bhūmiṃ gāñcaiva pārthipaḥ
Wie man den Honigsaft gewinnt, ohne die Blüte zu verletzen, so soll der König Abgaben und Nutzen aus Land und Volk ziehen, ohne ihnen zu schaden—wie beim behutsamen Melken, das das Kalb mitbedenkt.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa on dharma/righteous governance)
Concept: Rajadharma: extract revenue like honey—without destroying the source; milk the ‘cow’ of the land with care for its dependent (calf/people).
Vedantic Theme: Ahimsa and loka-sangraha: power exercised for maintenance of order, not exploitation.
Application: Taxation/regulation should be gradual, fair, and non-destructive; leaders should prioritize welfare, sustainability, and long-term productivity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: realm of governance
Related Themes: Garuda Purana rajadharma/niti passages on protection of subjects and measured taxation (thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse frames righteous rule as protective and non-exploitative: a king may take resources (tax/revenue) only in a way that preserves the well-being of the land and subjects.
Indirectly, it links governance to karma: harming subjects for gain creates adharma and negative karmic consequences, while just rule supports merit and social order.
Whether in government, business, or personal life, take what you need without damage—practice sustainable use of resources and prioritize those who depend on what you manage.