Shloka 29

Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline

Devanagari script

अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियसंयमः / दमः क्षमार्जवं दानं सर्वेषां धर्मसाधनम्

Transliteration

ahiṃsā satyamasteyaṃ śaucamindriyasaṃyamaḥ / damaḥ kṣamārjavaṃ dānaṃ sarveṣāṃ dharmasādhanam

Translation

Non-violence (ahiṃsā), truthfulness, non-stealing, purity, restraint of the senses, self-control, forgiveness, straightforwardness, and generosity—these are the means by which all beings accomplish dharma.

Word by Word

• अहिंसा: non-violence
• अहिंसा: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अहिंसा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• सत्यम्: truth
• सत्यम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सत्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• अस्तेयम्: non-stealing
• अस्तेयम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अस्तेय (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• शौचम्: purity/cleanliness
• शौचम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शौच (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• इन्द्रियसंयमः: restraint of the senses
• इन्द्रियसंयमः: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: इन्द्रिय+संयम (प्रातिपदिक; समास)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्; ‘इन्द्रियाणां संयमः’

• दमः: self-control
• दमः: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दम (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• क्षमा: forbearance
• क्षमा: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: क्षमा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• आर्जवम्: straightforwardness
• आर्जवम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: आर्जव (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• दानम्: charity
• दानम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दान (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• सर्वेषाम्: of all (people)
• सर्वेषाम्: Sambandha (Relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सर्व (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग/नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी, बहुवचनम्; जनानाम् इति अध्याहारः

• धर्मसाधनम्: means of righteousness
• धर्मसाधनम्: Kriya (Predicate nominal/विधेय)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धर्म+साधन (प्रातिपदिक; समास)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्; ‘धर्मस्य साधनम्’ (means to dharma)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Universal virtues—ahiṃsā, satya, asteya, śauca, indriya-saṃyama, dama, kṣamā, ārjava, dāna—are the instruments of dharma for all.

Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi (purification of mind) as the foundation for higher knowledge; cultivation of sattva through yamas/niyamas-like virtues.

Application: Adopt a daily checklist of virtues; practice non-harm in speech/action, truthful communication, clean habits, sensory moderation, forgiveness, straightforward dealings, and regular giving.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Geographic Context

Type: universal/ethical domain

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96.25-28 (contextual duties culminating in universal virtues)

FAQs

What is the importance of dharma-sādhana (means of dharma) in the Garuda Purana?

This verse lists core virtues—ahimsa, truth, purity, sense-restraint, discipline, forgiveness, sincerity, and charity—as practical tools that enable anyone to establish and fulfill dharma.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By emphasizing virtue and self-restraint, it points to karma-shuddhi (purification of actions and intent), which the Garuda Purana repeatedly treats as foundational for a favorable post-death journey and spiritual progress.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Practice non-harm, truthful speech, integrity, personal cleanliness, mindful control of senses, patience, honest dealing, and regular giving—these daily habits are presented as universally effective supports of dharma.