Shloka 50
Karmas Leading to Hell and Heaven
Ethical Catalog of Destinies
निंदितानि न कुर्वंति कुर्वंति विहितानि च । आत्मशक्तिं विजानंति ते नराः स्वर्गगामिनः
niṃditāni na kurvaṃti kurvaṃti vihitāni ca | ātmaśaktiṃ vijānaṃti te narāḥ svargagāminaḥ
Diese Männer begehen keine tadelnswerten Handlungen und vollziehen die gebotenen. Ihre eigene innere Kraft erkennend, schreiten sie zum Himmel.
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Avoid prohibited actions, perform enjoined duties, and recognize one’s inner capacity (ātma-śakti); such disciplined discernment leads to svarga.
Application: Use a daily filter: (1) Is this condemned/harmful? (2) Is this my duty/right action? (3) Do I have the inner strength to follow through? Build habits that make right action easier than wrong action.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee stands at a crossroads where one path is dark and thorny (nindita karma) and the other is bright and lotus-strewn (vihita karma). He holds a small scripture and a lamp, symbolizing śāstra-guided discernment, while a radiant inner flame at the heart signifies ātma-śakti; above, a svarga-lotus canopy opens.","primary_figures":["upright devotee","symbolic figures of vice (shadow forms)","symbolic figures of virtue (luminous attendants)"],"setting":"Crossroads near a temple boundary with a visible shrine lamp and a lotus pond in the distance.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["gold leaf","midnight blue","lotus pink","jade green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic crossroads composition; devotee holding śāstra and lamp, gold leaf radiance on the righteous path with lotus motifs, dark textured background on the condemned path; ornate temple elements, gem-like highlights, svarga-lotus arch above with heavy gilding.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant landscape with two diverging paths, delicate trees and a distant pond; the devotee’s calm resolve shown in refined facial features, soft dawn gradients, luminous attendants on the right path and faint shadowy figures on the left; subtle scripture detail in hand.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined crossroads, strong symbolic color blocks—dark for niṣiddha, bright for vihita; devotee with lamp and palm-leaf manuscript, heart-flame motif, lotus canopy overhead; traditional mural ornamentation and border florals.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central devotee framed by intricate floral borders; two patterned pathways—one thorn motif, one lotus motif—leading outward; deep indigo cloth with gold highlights, peacocks and lotuses, a small shrine lamp motif repeating to signify vihita karma as worship."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","footsteps on stone","brief silence after key phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: निंदितानि = निन्दितानि; कुर्वंति/विजानंति = कुर्वन्ति/विजानन्ति (अनुस्वार-लेख्यरूपम्)
FAQs
It teaches dharmic discernment: avoid blameworthy actions (nindita) and actively perform prescribed duties (vihita), which leads to auspicious results.
It implies inner strength or self-mastery—understanding and governing one’s capacities and impulses so that one can adhere to dharma.
It links heavenly attainment with ethical conduct: disciplined avoidance of prohibited deeds and performance of enjoined duties are presented as causes for reaching svarga.