Shloka 11
Episode of King Vena: Deceptive Doctrine, Compassion, and the Contest over Dharma
किं ज्ञानं कः प्रभावस्ते किं सत्यं धर्मलक्षणम् । तत्त्वं सर्वं समाचक्ष्व ममाग्रे सत्यमेव च
kiṃ jñānaṃ kaḥ prabhāvaste kiṃ satyaṃ dharmalakṣaṇam | tattvaṃ sarvaṃ samācakṣva mamāgre satyameva ca
જ્ઞાન શું છે અને તમારી સાચી શક્તિ શું છે? સત્ય શું છે અને ધર્મનું લક્ષણ શું છે? મારા સમક્ષ સર્વ તત્ત્વો સમજાવો અને માત્ર સત્ય જ બોલો.
Unspecified interlocutor (questioner addressing a revered/authoritative respondent)
Concept: True inquiry seeks definitions of jnana, satya, and dharma-lakshana, and demands truthful exposition of tattva.
Application: Ask for clear definitions before adopting practices; test teachings by truthfulness, consistency, and dharmic outcomes; cultivate satya in speech and intention.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A respectful questioner kneels before a radiant, authoritative sage seated on a lotus-like seat, palms joined, asking for the definitions of knowledge, truth, and dharma. Subtle cosmic motifs—lotus, conch, and a faint Vishnu-emblem aura—hover behind the teacher, suggesting that tattva ultimately culminates in the Lord’s order.","primary_figures":["reverent questioner","authoritative sage/teacher (rishi-like)"],"setting":"Forest hermitage court with kusa grass seat, palm-leaf manuscripts, and a distant river shimmer; a small fire altar indicates dharmic discourse.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","lotus pink","saffron gold","deep indigo","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a sage enthroned on a stylized lotus seat teaching tattva to a kneeling seeker, ornate gold leaf halo, rich crimson and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments on the teacher’s armlets, conch-and-lotus motifs framing the scene, South Indian temple arch backdrop with delicate filigree.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate hermitage dialogue beside a slender river, delicate brushwork and refined faces, cool greens and indigo shadows, distant blue hills, a manuscript bundle and kamandalu near the sage, lyrical naturalism with flowering creepers and small birds listening.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, warm ochres and greens, the teacher with large expressive eyes and a luminous aura, stylized lotus and conch symbols behind, temple-wall aesthetic with patterned borders and a small homa-kunda at the side.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional border of lotus vines and tulasi leaves around a central teaching scene, deep blue ground with gold highlights, peacocks perched on flowering branches, subtle Vishnu symbols (chakra, shankha) woven into the floral frame, intricate Nathdwara-like ornamentation."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["silence","gentle temple bells","distant flowing water","soft birdsong"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: प्रभावस् + ते → प्रभावस्ते; मम + अग्रे → ममाग्रे; सत्यम् + एव → सत्यमेव.
FAQs
The speaker asks for a clear explanation of four core topics—knowledge (jñāna), power/majesty (prabhāva), truth (satya), and the defining characteristic of dharma—along with the full account of tattva (ultimate principles of reality).
It treats dharma as something that has a recognizable ‘lakṣaṇa’ (defining mark), implying dharma can be examined and articulated through discernible principles rather than mere opinion.
By insisting on “satyam eva” (truth alone), the verse highlights truthfulness as a non-negotiable foundation for spiritual instruction and moral inquiry.