Shloka 18
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
स पण्डितो यो ह्यनुञ्जयेद्वै मिष्टेन बालं विनियेन शिष्टम् / अर्थेन नारीं तपसा हि देवान्सर्वांश्च लोकांश्च सुसंग्रहेण
sa paṇḍito yo hyanuñjayedvai miṣṭena bālaṃ viniyena śiṣṭam / arthena nārīṃ tapasā hi devānsarvāṃśca lokāṃśca susaṃgraheṇa
Wahrhaft weise ist, wer ein Kind mit Süßem gewinnt, einen disziplinierten Schüler mit rechter Anleitung, eine Frau mit materieller Fürsorge, die Devas mit Tapas (Askese) und alle Menschen wie auch alle Welten durch gutes Haushalten und harmonisches Verhalten.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Wisdom is context-sensitive conduct: appropriate means for different recipients; loka-saṅgraha through good management and harmony.
Vedantic Theme: Gītā-like loka-saṅgraha (holding the world together) through right action; yajña/tapas as link to devas; disciplined guidance as dharma.
Application: Use age-appropriate incentives for children, mentorship for students, responsible provision in relationships, disciplined practice for spiritual aims, and fair administration for society.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana nīti: emphasis on saṅgraha (good management), appropriate conduct, and sustaining social order (general)
FAQs
This verse presents discipline and proper guidance as the means to shape and win over the śiṣṭa (well-trained person/student), highlighting dharma as practical training, not merely belief.
Indirectly, it frames tapas (austerity) and saṁgraha (harmonious conduct) as dharmic forces that align one with higher realms; such virtues are repeatedly treated in the Purana as supports for auspicious post-death outcomes.
Use appropriate means for each context—kindness for children, principled guidance for students, responsible provision in relationships, spiritual discipline for inner growth, and fair management to maintain harmony in society.