Shloka 1
Nīti-saṅgraha: Conduct, Association, Kali-yuga Decline, and the Supremacy of Vidyā
ऽध्यायः सूत उवाच / कुमार्यां च कुमित्रं च कुराजानं कुपुत्रकम् / कुकन्यां च कुदेशं च दूरतः परिवर्जयेत्
'dhyāyaḥ sūta uvāca / kumāryāṃ ca kumitraṃ ca kurājānaṃ kuputrakam / kukanyāṃ ca kudeśaṃ ca dūrataḥ parivarjayet
Sūta said: One should keep far away from an unmarried girl, a bad friend, a wicked king, a bad son, an immoral daughter, and an evil country.
Sūta
Concept: Avoid proximity to morally/strategically dangerous persons and places; bad association is a root of downfall.
Vedantic Theme: Saṅga as a binding force; choosing sattvic company supports inner clarity.
Application: Set boundaries; evaluate relationships and environments; avoid compromising situations; cultivate wise counsel and safe communities.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: nīti lists on avoiding duṣsaṅga and cultivating sad-saṅga (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse frames harmful associations (people and places) as direct risks to dharma; keeping distance is presented as preventative moral discipline.
Indirectly: by advising avoidance of corrupting influences, it supports righteous conduct (dharma), which the Garuda Purana treats as crucial for one’s post-death fate and freedom from suffering.
Choose trustworthy friends, avoid exploitative leadership and unsafe environments, and maintain clear boundaries from relationships or settings that pressure unethical behavior.