Shloka 23
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
सर्वभूतेषु विश्वासः सर्वभूतेषु सात्त्विकः / स्वबावमात्मना गूहेदेतत्साधोर्हि लक्षणम्
sarvabhūteṣu viśvāsaḥ sarvabhūteṣu sāttvikaḥ / svabāvamātmanā gūhedetatsādhorhi lakṣaṇam
Trusting all beings and remaining sattvic—pure and benevolent—toward all beings, while keeping one’s own nature restrained within oneself: this indeed is the mark of a true good person (sādhu).
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: A true sādhu is sattvic toward all beings—trustful and non-hostile—yet guards and restrains personal impulses (svabhāva) through self-mastery.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva and sama-darśana (equal vision) with inner dama; harmonizing openness (dayā) with vigilance over the mind.
Application: Cultivate goodwill and basic trust, but practice self-regulation: pause before reacting, keep ego-drives contained, and maintain boundaries without malice.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: descriptions of sādhus, sattva, and virtues like dayā, kṣamā, ahiṃsā; general moksha-oriented ethics in Purva-khanda.
FAQs
This verse frames sattvic behavior—goodwill, trust, and purity toward all beings—as a defining sign of a true sādhu, making inner quality (sattva) central to dharmic life.
It advises restraining one’s own impulses within oneself, implying that virtue is not merely external ritual but disciplined inner governance expressed as non-hostility toward all beings.
Practice universal goodwill in speech and action, avoid suspicion and harm toward others, and pause before reacting—choosing restraint and clarity over impulse.