Shloka 14
Dharma-sāra: Dāna-mahātmyam, Karma-vāda, and the Conquest of Grief and Greed
अनन्तबलवीर्येण प्रज्ञया पौरुषेण वा / अलभ्यं लभते मर्त्यस्तत्र का परिवेदना
anantabalavīryeṇa prajñayā pauruṣeṇa vā / alabhyaṃ labhate martyastatra kā parivedanā
By limitless strength and valor, by intelligence, or by steadfast human effort, a mortal can attain even what seems unattainable—so what room is there for lamentation?
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Through strength, valor, intelligence, and steadfast effort, a mortal can obtain even the seemingly unattainable; therefore lamentation is unwarranted.
Vedantic Theme: Kartṛtva within dharma as a means to purify and progress; replacing shoka with utsaha and viveka.
Application: Convert grief into disciplined action; set dharmic goals; cultivate prajna (learning), pौरुष (perseverance), and physical/mental strength through routine and tapas.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana exhortations against shoka and toward dharmic endeavor (general internal resonance)
FAQs
This verse highlights pauruṣa—steadfast personal effort—along with strength and wisdom as the means by which even difficult goals can be achieved, discouraging helplessness and grief.
By teaching inner resolve and non-lamentation, it supports the Garuda Purana’s broader message that one should act wisely and steadily rather than be overwhelmed by sorrow during life and death-related transitions.
Cultivate disciplined effort, clear discernment, and courage in duties (including family responsibilities and rites), and reduce lamentation by focusing on purposeful action and dharmic conduct.