Shloka 54
Means to Liberation: Supremacy of Hari, Proper Salutations, and Purāṇic Authority
रजः प्राचुर्याद्राजसानीति च हुः श्राव्याणि नैतानि मुमुक्षुभिः सदा / तेषां मध्ये सात्त्विकांशाश्च संति तेषां श्रुतेर्गारुडीयं फलं च
rajaḥ prācuryādrājasānīti ca huḥ śrāvyāṇi naitāni mumukṣubhiḥ sadā / teṣāṃ madhye sāttvikāṃśāśca saṃti teṣāṃ śrutergāruḍīyaṃ phalaṃ ca
À cause de la prédominance de rajas, on les appelle « rājasa ». Les chercheurs de libération ne devraient pas les écouter sans cesse. Pourtant, en leur sein existent aussi des portions sāttvika; et en les entendant, le Garuḍa Purāṇa accorde son fruit bénéfique.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Rājasa-dominant teachings agitate and are not always fit for liberation-seekers; select sattvika portions, whose śravaṇa yields purifying fruit (phala) aligned with Garuḍa Purāṇa’s aim.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi through sattvika śravaṇa; vairāgya from rājasa stimulation; sādhana-catuṣṭaya support.
Application: Reduce exposure to rājasa content (even if ‘religious’); adopt a steady regimen of sattvika listening/reading; choose teachings that increase calm, compassion, and devotion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.1.50 (puṇya of hearing/reciting); Garuda Purana 3.1.52-53 (gradation and rājasa list)
FAQs
This verse says that even where rājasa elements appear, the sāttvika parts are spiritually fruitful; hearing them supports purification and the aim of liberation.
It cautions mumukṣus not to habitually engage with rajas-dominated teachings, advising discernment and preference for sāttvika content that elevates the mind toward freedom.
Prioritize teachings that increase clarity, compassion, and inner steadiness (sattva), and limit content that fuels agitation, craving, or ego-driven restlessness (rajas).