Shloka 47
Nīti-saṅgraha: Conduct, Association, Kali-yuga Decline, and the Supremacy of Vidyā
कृते प्रतिकृतं कुर्याद्धिंसिते प्रतिहिंसितम् / न तत्र दोषं पश्यामि दुष्टे दोषं समाचरेत्
kṛte pratikṛtaṃ kuryāddhiṃsite pratihiṃsitam / na tatra doṣaṃ paśyāmi duṣṭe doṣaṃ samācaret
If someone has acted against you, you may act in return; if you have been harmed, you may respond in kind. I see no fault in this—toward the wicked, one may answer in the same manner.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Reciprocity toward the wicked: retaliation is presented as non-faulty when directed at a ‘duṣṭa’ who harms.
Vedantic Theme: Tension between ahiṃsā ideal and daṇḍa-dharma: preserving order may require force; intention and target (duṣṭa) are framed as decisive.
Application: In modern terms: proportionate response, lawful self-defense, and protective action against malicious actors—without sliding into personal vengeance.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana dharma/nīti strands that discuss daṇḍa, protection of society, and dealing with wrongdoers (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse frames a dharmic idea of proportional response: when wronged or harmed, answering back in kind is presented as not inherently blameworthy, especially in dealing with a wicked aggressor.
While the verse itself is ethical rather than ritualistic, it supports the broader Garuda Purana theme that moral intent and actions (karma) shape consequences—here emphasizing accountability and dealing with adharma.
Maintain proportionality and discernment: protect yourself and uphold justice against harmful people, but avoid unnecessary cruelty—respond in measured ways aligned with dharma and lawful conduct.