Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 40
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
अविवेको हि सर्वेषामापदां परमं पदम् । विवेकरहितो लोके पशुरेव न संशयः ॥ ४० ॥
aviveko hi sarveṣāmāpadāṃ paramaṃ padam | vivekarahito loke paśureva na saṃśayaḥ || 40 ||
En vérité, l’absence de discernement est le terreau suprême de toutes les calamités. Celui qui, en ce monde, est dépourvu de discrimination n’est, sans doute, pas meilleur qu’un animal.
Sanatkumāra (teaching Nārada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It establishes viveka (clear discernment) as the root safeguard of dharma: when discrimination is absent, a person becomes vulnerable to every kind of downfall—ethical, spiritual, and worldly.
Bhakti matures through right understanding—discerning the eternal (Viṣṇu and dharma) from the temporary (sense-impulses and ego). Without viveka, devotion can be replaced by habit, display, or desire-driven action.
The verse highlights a foundational principle behind all śāstra-application: discernment in choosing correct conduct. While not naming a Vedāṅga directly, it supports the practical use of śāstric reasoning (nyāya) and disciplined interpretation (as in vyākaraṇa/mīmāṃsā-based clarity) to avoid wrong action.