Shloka 24
Marakata (Emerald): Mythic Origin, Anti-Poison Virtue, Qualities, Defects, and Proper Wearing
ऋजुत्वाच्चैव केषाञ्चित्कथञ्चिदुपजायते / तिर्यगालोच्यमानानां सद्यश्चैव प्रणश्यति
ṛjutvāccaiva keṣāñcitkathañcidupajāyate / tiryagālocyamānānāṃ sadyaścaiva praṇaśyati
In some, straightforwardness arises only somehow, with difficulty; but in those who keep looking sideways with deceitful intent, it perishes at once.
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Arjava (straightforwardness) is hard-won; kutila-drishti (crooked, sideways looking) destroys virtue quickly.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva vs rajas/tamas in conduct; purity of intention as prerequisite for stable dharma and knowledge.
Application: Practice transparent speech and intent; avoid duplicity, gossip, and manipulative ‘side-glances’ that erode trust and inner steadiness.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana ethical counsel in the same instructional run (1.71) on qualities and conduct
FAQs
This verse treats ṛjutva as a fragile but essential dharmic quality—hard-won in some, yet easily lost when a person nurtures crooked or deceptive intentions.
By emphasizing inner intention over outward appearance: a mind trained in honesty supports dharmic living, while habitual deceit undermines virtue—conditions that, in Garuda Purana’s moral framework, shape one’s karmic trajectory.
Practice transparent speech and motive-checking; avoid manipulative or “sideways” thinking in relationships and work, since ethical clarity is quickly eroded by small acts of deceit.