Shloka 12
Adhyaya 50 — Mind-Born Progeny, Svayambhuva Manu’s Lineage, and Brahmā’s Ordinance to Duḥsaha (Alakṣmī’s Retinue)
सौम्यासौम्यैस्तथा शान्तैः पुंस्त्वं स्त्रीत्वञ्च स प्रभुः ।
बिभेद बहुधा देवः पुरुषैरसितैः सितैः ॥
saumyāsaumyais tathā śāntaiḥ puṃstvaṃ strītvaṃ ca sa prabhuḥ | bibheda bahudhā devaḥ puruṣair asitaiḥ sitaiḥ ||
Ce Seigneur diversifia encore la masculinité et la féminité en maintes formes—douces et terribles, ainsi que paisibles—créant des êtres au teint sombre et au teint clair.
FAQs
Diversity of temperament and appearance is presented as intrinsic to creation, not accidental. Ethical evaluation should focus on dharma and conduct rather than mere outer difference.
Sarga: elaboration of created beings into varieties necessary for a functioning world-order.
Gentle/fierce/calm can be read as the play of guṇas shaping psychophysical types, indicating that the same source manifests as different dispositions suited to different cosmic roles.