Shloka 4
अप्रमाणमिदं प्रोक्तमश्रद्धेयमनुत्तमम् । गतिं च परमां दिव्यां भोगांश्चैव यथेप्सितान्
apramāṇamidaṃ proktamaśraddheyamanuttamam | gatiṃ ca paramāṃ divyāṃ bhogāṃścaiva yathepsitān
Dies wurde als ohne gültige Begründung erklärt, des Glaubens unwürdig, obgleich als höchstes ausgegeben; und doch verheißt es ein höchstes, göttliches Ziel und Genüsse ganz nach Wunsch.
Unspecified (context needed from surrounding verses; likely within a narrator–listener dialogue typical of Svarga-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Spiritual claims must be grounded in pramāṇa and śraddhā; promises of ‘paramā gati’ and desired enjoyments can be suspect if the source is unreliable.
Application: Be discerning with ‘too-good-to-be-true’ spiritual promises; verify sources, seek teacher lineage, and prefer practices that cultivate humility, compassion, and remembrance of Viṣṇu over mere wish-fulfillment.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern sage raises a hand in caution as scrolls of dubious proclamations flutter like dark birds, each inscribed with extravagant promises of ‘divine destiny’ and ‘desired pleasures.’ Behind him, a steady lamp illuminates a single authentic scripture, symbolizing pramāṇa; the contrast between shadowy temptation and clear authority dominates the scene.","primary_figures":["cautioning sage/ācārya figure","temptation-personification (optional, subtle)","disciples/listeners (optional)"],"setting":"A teaching pavilion with manuscripts; one side bright with a lamp and clean palm-leaf texts, the other side dim with chaotic, unsealed scrolls.","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["lamp-gold","ink-black","smoke-gray","saffron cloth","palm-leaf tan"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: authoritative sage with gold leaf halo holding a palm-leaf scripture, rejecting shadowy scrolls bearing exaggerated phala claims; dramatic chiaroscuro with rich reds/greens, heavy gold embellishment on the true text and lamp, ornate border with warning motifs (serpentine scrollwork).","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined teacher figure in a quiet kutīra, a single lamp casting warm light on an authentic manuscript, while darker papers swirl at the edge; delicate brushwork, muted earth tones, expressive but restrained faces, moral contrast conveyed through light.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines with a central sage in teaching mudrā, lamp and scripture rendered in bright yellow/red, shadowy scroll-forms in dark green/black at the margins, temple-wall symmetry, ornamental borders emphasizing dharma vs adharma.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic composition with a central lamp and scripture framed by lotus borders, while outer rings show swirling scroll motifs and desire-symbols subdued; deep blues and gold, intricate floral patterns, didactic iconography embedded in decorative design."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"fast-dramatic","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["sharp bell strike","low drone","wind through leaves","paper rustle","brief silence after admonition"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अप्रमाणम् + इदम् = अप्रमाणमिदम् (m+i→mi). प्रोक्तम् + अश्रद्धेयम् = प्रोक्तमश्रद्धेयम् (m+a→ma). अश्रद्धेयम् + अनुत्तमम् = अश्रद्धेयमनुत्तमम् (m+a→ma). भोगान् + च + एव = भोगांश्चैव (n+ś). यथा + ईप्सितान् = यथेप्सितान् (ā+ī→e).
FAQs
It contrasts a teaching described as lacking proper authority and being untrustworthy with the alluring promises it makes—divine attainment and desired enjoyments—highlighting the need for discernment (pramāṇa) and faith grounded in reliable sources.
Pramāṇa suggests a valid means of knowledge or scriptural/authoritative warrant, while śraddhā indicates trust or faith; the verse critiques claims that ask for belief without dependable grounding.
Yes: do not be swayed by attractive promised results alone; evaluate teachings by reliable authority and integrity before placing faith in them.