Shloka 4
सदाचार-नियमाः: शील, संयम, संग-निषेध, शुचिता, वाणी-नीति, परोपकारः
किंचित् परस्वं न हरेन् नाल्पम् अप्य् अप्रियं वदेत् प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयान् नान्यदोषान् उदीरयेत्
kiṃcit parasvaṃ na haren nālpam apy apriyaṃ vadet priyaṃ ca nānṛtaṃ brūyān nānyadoṣān udīrayet
One should not take what belongs to another—not even the slightest thing. One should not utter displeasing words, even in small measure. Yet one should not speak falsehood merely because it sounds pleasant, nor go about proclaiming the faults of others.
Sage Parāśara (in instruction to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Moral restraints: non-stealing, truthful and pleasant speech, and avoidance of fault-finding
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: authoritative
Concept: Dharma requires scrupulous non-stealing, avoidance of hurtful speech, commitment to truth even when unpleasant, and refraining from broadcasting others’ faults.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Practice ‘truth with kindness’: speak what is true and beneficial, avoid gossip, and adopt strict integrity in small matters (time, credit, possessions).
Vishishtadvaita: Ethical restraint expresses the soul’s rightful dependence on the Lord by honoring His order in other beings, who are His body (śarīra-bhāva).
Vishnu Form: Para-Brahman
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse frames dharma as everyday restraint—do not take even a little of another’s property, and let speech be both truthful and non-harmful—showing how social order is preserved through personal discipline.
Parāśara sets a balance: avoid unpleasant speech, but do not choose falsehood just because it pleases; he also warns against broadcasting others’ faults, emphasizing truth guided by compassion and restraint.
Even when Vishnu is not named, the teaching reflects Vaishnava dharma: conduct aligned with the cosmic order sustained by the Supreme—truthfulness, non-injury, and respect for others uphold the world under Vishnu’s governance.