Shloka 6
Garuḍa’s Return to Vaikuṇṭha and the Comprehensive Inquiry into Death-Rites and the Preta’s Journey
सूत उवाच / साधु पृष्टं महाभागाः शृणुध्वं भवतां पुनः / सन्देहो नोपपद्येत लोकार्थं किल पृच्छताम्
sūta uvāca / sādhu pṛṣṭaṃ mahābhāgāḥ śṛṇudhvaṃ bhavatāṃ punaḥ / sandeho nopapadyeta lokārthaṃ kila pṛcchatām
Sūta said: “You noble ones have asked well. Listen once again. For those who inquire for the welfare of the world, doubt should not arise.”
Sūta
Concept: Proper inquiry (praśna) and attentive listening (śravaṇa) remove doubt; questions asked for loka-artha are especially worthy.
Vedantic Theme: Śravaṇa–manana leading to saṁśaya-nivṛtti; the ethics of inquiry and transmission.
Application: Ask questions with altruistic intent; listen systematically to authoritative teaching to resolve confusion rather than amplify it.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: narrative assembly (satsaṅga)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: Sūta’s framing responses praising inquiry (opening narrative conventions)
FAQs
This verse praises inquiry done for the welfare of all, framing the teaching as practical guidance meant to remove confusion and benefit society.
By urging attentive listening and the removal of doubt, it prepares the audience to receive precise instructions—often connected to post-death duties and dharmic conduct.
Approach sacred texts with sincere intent to learn and help others; ask clear questions, listen carefully, and apply the guidance ethically rather than arguing from doubt.