Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
एष पाणिरपूर्व मे निक्षेपार्थ प्रसारित: । यन्मे धारयसे विप्र तदिदानीं प्रदीयताम्
eṣa pāṇir apūrvo me nikṣepārthaṁ prasāritaḥ | yan me dhārayase vipra tad idānīṁ pradīyatām ||
“This hand of mine, never before extended in this way, is stretched out to receive what is to be placed into it. O brāhmaṇa, whatever you have been holding on my behalf—let that now be given to me.”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
The verse highlights ethical accountability in custodianship: when something is held for another, it should be returned promptly upon rightful request. It underscores trust, proper restitution, and the dharmic duty to give back what is due.
A speaker (identified as a brāhmaṇa in the dialogue) extends his hand to receive something that another brāhmaṇa has been keeping for him, formally requesting that it be handed over now.