Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 37
Discrimination of the Qualities of Poetry (Kāvya-guṇa-viveka) — Closing Verse/Colophon Transition
बध्नन्ति व्यतिपश्यन्तो यद्विशिष्टैः स उच्यते परिग्रहादप्यसतां सतामेवापरिग्रहात्
badhnanti vyatipaśyanto yadviśiṣṭaiḥ sa ucyate parigrahādapyasatāṃ satāmevāparigrahāt
Those who discriminate by comparison and thereby bind (others) are called “asat” because of possessiveness; but the “sat” are so called precisely because of non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, as the standard Agni Purana narration frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Ethical governance and personal conduct: cultivate aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and satya-like nobility; avoid binding others through comparative judgment and acquisitiveness.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Sat/Asat Criterion via Aparigraha and Parigraha","lookup_keywords":["aparigraha","parigraha","sat","asat","nīti"],"quick_summary":"Defines ‘sat’ as marked by non-possessiveness and ‘asat’ by possessiveness that leads to binding and harm. Practical takeaway: reduce grasping to reduce coercion and social bondage."}
Concept: Moral ontology of ‘sat’ vs ‘asat’ grounded in non-possessiveness vs possessiveness; coercive comparison binds others.
Application: In rulership and daily life, limit acquisition, practice generosity, and avoid manipulative comparison; measure nobility by freedom given to others.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Niti-shastra (Ethics of conduct; virtues like aparigraha and satya)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moral tableau contrasting two figures: one hoarding possessions and binding others with chains of obligation; the other simple, open-handed, unburdened, embodying aparigraha and ‘sat’.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, two-panel didactic scene: left a wealthy grasping figure with attendants bound by symbolic cords; right a serene ascetic/wise minister offering alms, calm faces, bold outlines, traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore style, central ‘sat’ figure with gold halo and minimal possessions, hands in giving gesture; side vignette of ‘asat’ hoarder with ornate jewelry and heavy chests, gold work emphasizing contrast.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition with labels ‘parigraha’ and ‘aparigraha’, gentle colors, clear gestures of taking vs giving, courtly setting for rājadharma context.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court scene: a just ruler refusing bribes and distributing charity contrasted with a corrupt official hoarding; fine textiles, architectural backdrop, subtle moral symbolism (scales, chains)."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यद्विशिष्टैः = यत् + विशिष्टैः; परिग्रहादपि = परिग्रहात् + अपि; सतामेव = सताम् + एव; एवापरिग्रहात् = एव + अपरिग्रहात्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 346.40 (apara/para vidyā; liberation)
FAQs
Niti-vidya (ethical science): it defines ‘sat’ and ‘asat’ through the practical criterion of aparigraha (non-grasping) versus parigraha (possessive acquisition), a core discipline for self-restraint and fair governance.
Alongside rituals, temple matters, medicine, and warfare, the Agni Purana also codifies civic and personal ethics; this verse functions like a concise moral definition used in Rajadharma/Niti sections to guide rulers and citizens.
Aparigraha reduces bondage (bandhana) created by craving and social entanglement; cultivating non-possessiveness supports purity of intention, lowers harmful attachment, and aligns action with dharmic merit.