Shloka 15
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
नात्मच्छिद्रं परे दद्याद्विद्याच्छिद्रं परस्य च / गूहेत्कूर्म इवाङ्गानि परभावञ्च लक्षयेत्
nātmacchidraṃ pare dadyādvidyācchidraṃ parasya ca / gūhetkūrma ivāṅgāni parabhāvañca lakṣayet
Man soll die eigenen Fehler nicht vor anderen ausbreiten, wohl aber die Fehler der anderen erkennen. Wie die Schildkröte ihre Glieder einzieht, soll man sich selbst behüten und zugleich die Absichten und die Gesinnung der anderen beobachten.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa/Vinātā-putra, within the didactic discourse of the Garuḍa Purāṇa)
Concept: Protect one’s vulnerabilities; practice discretion; observe others’ weaknesses and intentions to avoid harm.
Vedantic Theme: Viveka and saṃyama applied to speech (vāk-niyama) and social conduct; guarding the mind-senses from injury.
Application: Avoid oversharing; keep personal weaknesses private; assess others’ motives before trusting; cultivate measured speech.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana nīti passages on speech-control, secrecy, and discerning company (satsaṅga vs. duḥsaṅga)
FAQs
This verse teaches dharmic prudence: do not publicize your vulnerabilities, remain self-contained, and carefully assess others’ intentions to avoid preventable harm.
Indirectly, it supports the soul’s welfare by prescribing ethical vigilance and self-restraint—qualities that reduce sinful entanglements and strengthen dharmic living, which the Purana links to better post-death outcomes.
Limit oversharing, protect your boundaries, cultivate disciplined senses, and evaluate people and situations calmly before trusting or committing.