Shloka 19
Characteristics of the King and His Servants
Rāja-dharma, Nīti, and Ethical Revenue
अन्धा हि राजा भवति यस्तु सास्त्रविवर्जितः / अन्धः पश्यति चारेण शास्त्रहीनो न पश्यति
andhā hi rājā bhavati yastu sāstravivarjitaḥ / andhaḥ paśyati cāreṇa śāstrahīno na paśyati
Vraiment, le roi privé de śāstra devient aveugle. Un aveugle peut encore voir avec l’aide d’un guide, mais celui qui est sans śāstra ne voit pas du tout.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Scriptural and ethical knowledge is indispensable for rulership; guidance (ācārya/mantrin) can aid physical limitation, but absence of śāstra destroys discernment itself.
Vedantic Theme: Pramāṇa (right means of knowledge) and viveka; śāstra as light removing avidyā in the domain of action.
Application: Rulers/administrators should study dharma-śāstra and nīti, consult learned advisors, and institutionalize ethical training; individuals should seek principled guidance rather than act from impulse.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: royal court/administration
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.111 (rājadharma emphasis on śāstra, artha, counsel)
FAQs
This verse states that without śāstra a ruler becomes “blind,” meaning incapable of discerning dharma and adharma correctly; śāstra functions as the true instrument of moral and judicial clarity.
It contrasts physical blindness (which can be aided by a guide) with the deeper blindness of being śāstra-less—implying that without principled, time-tested dharmic standards, one cannot truly perceive what is right.
Base decisions on clear ethical frameworks and disciplined learning (dharma/śāstra), not impulse or convenience—especially in leadership, law, family duties, and public responsibility.