Shloka 6
Teaching of Karma-yoga
Student Conduct, Vedic Study, and Gāyatrī Supremacy
गुरोर्यत्र परीवादो निंदा वापि प्रवर्तते । कर्णौ तत्र पिधातव्यौ गंतव्यं वा ततोऽन्यतः
guroryatra parīvādo niṃdā vāpi pravartate | karṇau tatra pidhātavyau gaṃtavyaṃ vā tato'nyataḥ
Wherever disparagement or criticism of one’s guru is going on, one should cover one’s ears there—or else leave that place and go elsewhere.
Unspecified (narratorial/didactic instruction within Svarga-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Avoidance of guru-nindā (hearing or participating) as a protective discipline for spiritual progress.
Application: Do not consume or amplify disparaging talk about teachers/mentors; exit gossip circles, mute channels, or redirect conversation; cultivate respectful speech and selective listening.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A quiet hermitage courtyard where a small group whispers in the shade, their faces turned in criticism. A young disciple, eyes lowered, gently covers his ears with both hands and steps away toward a sunlit path leading to the guru’s hut, choosing silence over contamination.","primary_figures":["disciple (śiṣya)","guru (ācārya)","gossiping onlookers"],"setting":"forest āśrama with thatched huts, tulasi planter near the doorway, sacrificial altar in the background","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","leaf green","ochre","smoke gray","lotus pink"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a serene āśrama scene with the guru seated on a low wooden āsana under a canopy, the disciple covering his ears while stepping away from a shadowy gossiping group; gold leaf embellishment on the guru’s halo and ornaments, rich reds and greens, stylized tulasi pot near the threshold, intricate floral borders and temple-like symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate brushwork showing a Himalayan-forest hermitage; the disciple in simple white cloth covers his ears and walks toward a sunlit clearing; cool greens and soft browns, refined facial features, lyrical trees and a small stream, subtle emotional restraint conveyed through posture.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; the guru with a radiant aura seated near a yajña-kuṇḍa, the disciple in respectful stance covering ears; strong red/yellow/green palette, temple-wall aesthetic, stylized foliage and ornamental borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional courtyard with lotus motifs and ornate floral borders; the disciple turns away from harsh speech, moving toward a sanctified space marked by lamps and a tulasi planter; deep blues and gold accents, peacocks at the edge symbolizing purity of hearing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","forest birds","gentle wind in leaves","distant conch shell","intentional silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गुरोः + यत्र → गुरोर्यत्र; वा + अपि → वापि; ततो + अन्यतः → ततोऽन्यतः
FAQs
It advises either to cover one’s ears (refuse to listen) or to leave the place and go elsewhere.
It teaches restraint in association and hearing: do not participate in, endorse, or even passively consume slander directed at one’s teacher.
Respect for the guru is treated as foundational; guarding one’s hearing from disrespectful speech supports steadiness in devotion and learning.