Shloka 15
Karma-vipāka: Truth, Yama’s Judgment, and the Marks of Sin in Rebirth
अपरीक्षितभोक्तारो व्याघ्राः स्युर्निर्जने वने / बहुतर्जको मार्जरः खद्योतः कक्षदाहकः
aparīkṣitabhoktāro vyāghrāḥ syurnirjane vane / bahutarjako mārjaraḥ khadyotaḥ kakṣadāhakaḥ
In a lonely forest, those who eat without discernment become like tigers. One who habitually threatens becomes a cat; and one who, like a firefly (khadyota), burns the thickets becomes a burner of brush—bringing harm far beyond his small stature.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Undiscerning consumption and harmful speech/behavior cultivate animalistic tendencies that ripen as corresponding births and destructive capacities.
Vedantic Theme: Vāsanā (habit-impressions) shaping future embodiment; speech and appetite as karmic drivers.
Application: Practice विवेक (discernment) in what one consumes; restrain threats/harsh speech; recognize that minor malice can cause major damage.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: forest
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.46 (behavior-to-rebirth correspondences)
FAQs
This verse links indiscriminate consumption and behavior to degrading karmic outcomes, using animal forms as moral-symbolic results of unchecked impulses.
It portrays tendencies—undiscerning indulgence, intimidation, and small but harmful malice—as seeds that mature into corresponding states of existence, illustrating how character shapes post-death destiny and rebirth.
Practice mindful consumption, restrain threatening speech, and avoid “small” harmful acts that can spread damage—cultivating restraint and responsibility as daily dharma.