Shloka 27
कपिल–स्यूमरश्मि संवादः
Kapila and Syūmaraśmi on Renunciation, Householder Support, and Epistemic Authority
ततस्तानेव कवय: शास्त्रेषु प्रवदन्त्युत । कीर्त्यर्थमल्पहल्लेखा: पटव: कृत्स्ननिर्णया:
tatas tān eva kavayaḥ śāstreṣu pravadanty uta | kīrty-artham alpa-hal-lekhāḥ paṭavaḥ kṛtsna-nirṇayāḥ ||
Therefore, the learned sages indeed proclaim in the scriptures that those very persons—who are truly capable of granting fearlessness (abhaya-dāna)—are the best. Yet among them, those whose minds turn outward and who secretly cherish fleeting pleasures in their hearts observe the vow of granting fearlessness mainly for fame and public honor. But those who are truly skilled and discerning take up this vow for the sake of attaining the Supreme Brahman in its fullness.
तुलाधार उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes outer religious observance from inner intention: the same vow (granting fearlessness/non-harming) can be pursued either for social fame and honor or as a disciplined means toward realizing the Supreme Brahman. True excellence lies in capability joined with pure motive and complete discernment.
Tulādhāra is instructing his listener on ethical and spiritual standards, explaining how scripture praises those who can truly protect and reassure others, while warning that some adopt such practices merely for reputation, whereas the truly wise adopt them for ultimate spiritual realization.