Shloka 78
Nīti-saṅgraha: Conduct, Association, Kali-yuga Decline, and the Supremacy of Vidyā
कुब्जस्य कीटघातस्य वातान्निष्कासितस्य च / शिखरे वसतस्तस्य वरं जन्म न याचितम्
kubjasya kīṭaghātasya vātānniṣkāsitasya ca / śikhare vasatastasya varaṃ janma na yācitam
Für den Buckligen, oder den von Insekten Zermalmten, oder den vom Wind Vertriebenen, oder den, der auf einem Gipfel wohnen muss — eine solche Geburt soll man nicht erbitten, nicht einmal als Gnade.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Certain births and conditions are profoundly afflicted; do not romanticize suffering—seek dharma that prevents such downfall and cultivate compassion for the afflicted.
Vedantic Theme: Duhkha as a feature of samsara; prompts vairagya and ethical action; recognizes embodiment as karma-phala without glorifying pain.
Application: Work to prevent harm and neglect; support those with disability, disease, and displacement; cultivate gratitude and responsible living.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: mountain/peak
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (karma and suffering motifs): descriptions of embodied misery as consequences and as prompts for dharma and detachment
FAQs
This verse stresses that certain embodiments and living conditions are intrinsically painful, serving as a reminder that karma can manifest as suffering and should be avoided through dharmic living.
It implies that the jīva’s post-death trajectory includes rebirth shaped by prior actions; harmful karma can result in difficult bodies and harsh environments, reinforcing moral causality across lifetimes.
Cultivate non-violence, compassion, and self-discipline, and avoid actions that harm other beings—so one does not accumulate causes for painful conditions and debilitating rebirth.