Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
विरूप उवाच शृणुष्वावहितो राजन् यथैतद् धारयाम्यहम् | विकृतस्यास्य राजर्षे नेखिलेन नराधिप
virūpa uvāca śṛṇuṣvāvahito rājan yathaitad dhārayāmy aham | vikṛtasyāsya rājarṣe nekhilena narādhipa ||
Virūpa said: “O King, listen with full attention as I explain how I bear and reckon this matter. O royal seer, O lord of men, I shall conceal nothing in part; I will relate it wholly—how the obligation of this ‘distorted/afflicted’ one is being carried.”
विरूप उवाच
The speaker emphasizes attentive listening and complete disclosure: ethical instruction should be received with focus, and the teacher should present the matter fully and truthfully, without withholding essential parts—especially when explaining responsibility or obligation.
Virūpa addresses a king respectfully and prepares to explain a particular issue—described as the ‘burden/obligation’ connected with someone ‘vikṛta’ (afflicted or disordered). He asks the king to listen carefully and promises a full account.