Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 10
Āgneya-Purāṇa-māhātmya
The Greatness and Self-Testimony of the Agni Purāṇa
संसारे भ्रमता लभ्यं पुत्रदारधनं वसु सुहृदश् च तथैवान्ये नोपदेशो द्विजेदृशः
saṃsāre bhramatā labhyaṃ putradāradhanaṃ vasu suhṛdaś ca tathaivānye nopadeśo dvijedṛśaḥ
For one who wanders in saṃsāra, sons, wife, wealth, possessions, friends, and the like are obtainable; but true instruction—guiding counsel—from one who sees like a twice-born (a dharma-trained sage) is not easily obtained.
Lord Agni (narrating the nīti teaching, in the usual Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Vairagya
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तथैवान्ये = तथा + एव + अन्ये; नोपदेशो = न + उपदेशः; द्विजेदृशः = द्विज + ईदृशः (स्वर-सन्धि)
FAQs
It imparts nīti-vidyā: the practical discernment that worldly attainments are common, while reliable dharmic instruction (upadeśa) from a truly discerning teacher is rare and therefore must be sought and valued.
Alongside ritual, medicine, warfare, and poetics, the Agni Purana also preserves nīti and guidance for conduct; this verse exemplifies its ethical counsel by ranking human pursuits and highlighting the scarcity of authentic instruction.
Seeking and following true upadeśa supports dharmic action and right understanding, reducing भ्रम (delusion) in saṃsāra and guiding one toward merit (puṇya) and spiritual clarity rather than mere accumulation.