Shloka 45
Mukti-tattva Upadeśa: Knowledge as the Direct Cause of Liberation
स्वदेहमपि जीवो ऽयं मुक्त्वा याति यमालयम् / स्त्रीमातृपितृपुत्त्रादिसम्बन्धः केन हेतुना
svadehamapi jīvo 'yaṃ muktvā yāti yamālayam / strīmātṛpitṛputtrādisambandhaḥ kena hetunā
Cet être vivant, abandonnant même son propre corps, se rend au séjour de Yama. Dès lors, pour quelle raison revendique-t-on des liens avec l’épouse, la mère, le père, le fils, et ainsi de suite ?
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Dehābhimāna and family-identity are contingent; the jīva departs alone, so clinging to relational ownership is irrational.
Vedantic Theme: Viveka between ātman/jīva and upādhi (body, social roles); anityatā of saṃsāra-bandha.
Application: Practice daily mṛtyu-smṛti and reduce possessive language (‘mine’); cultivate compassionate care without bondage, and prioritize sādhana over social identity.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: divine court/abode
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: teachings on the jīva’s departure and Yama’s path (general parallel themes)
FAQs
This verse stresses that the jīva departs alone to Yama’s realm after leaving the body, so worldly family-identities are temporary and should not eclipse dharma and spiritual preparation.
It states that the individual soul abandons the physical body and proceeds to Yamālaya, implying a post-death journey where one faces consequences beyond social ties and household roles.
Cultivate non-attachment, fulfill duties without possessiveness, and prioritize ethical living and remembrance of mortality—so one is inwardly prepared for death and accountability.