Shloka 6
Yamavākya
The Words of Yama
नियोगी यस्तु वै भूत्वा आत्मवेश्मनि भोक्ष्यति । भृत्यान्वै कर्मकरणे राज्ञो मार्जारतां व्रजेत् ॥ ६ ॥
niyogī yastu vai bhūtvā ātmaveśmani bhokṣyati | bhṛtyānvai karmakaraṇe rājño mārjāratāṃ vrajet || 6 ||
Wer als bestellter Beamter (niyogī) für sich selbst im eigenen Haus verzehrt und die Diener des Königs für private Arbeiten einspannt—der fällt in den Zustand einer Katze.
Narada (instructional narration within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It teaches rāja-dharma and personal dharma: abusing entrusted power and public resources for private enjoyment creates heavy pāpa and leads to a degraded rebirth, symbolized here as becoming a cat.
Bhakti is grounded in integrity and non-exploitation; service to Bhagavān is incompatible with exploiting others. The verse warns that unrighteous conduct blocks inner purity, which is essential for stable devotion.
It aligns with Dharmaśāstra-style rāja-nīti (ethical governance) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; the practical takeaway is correct application of duty (karma) and accountability in public office.