Shloka 28
Characteristics of the King and His Servants
Rāja-dharma, Nīti, and Ethical Revenue
चापलाद्वारयेद्दृष्टिं मिथ्यावाक्यञ्च वारयेत् / मानवे श्रोत्रिये चैव भृत्यवर्गे सदैव हि
cāpalādvārayeddṛṣṭiṃ mithyāvākyañca vārayet / mānave śrotriye caiva bhṛtyavarge sadaiva hi
Hendaknya menahan pandangan dari sikap yang lincah tak terkendali, dan menahan ucapan dusta—terutama dalam pergaulan dengan orang biasa, dengan śrotriya yang memahami Weda, dan senantiasa dengan para pelayan.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Restrain fickle looking and restrain false speech, especially in dealings with ordinary persons, learned śrotriyas, and one’s servants.
Vedantic Theme: Śama-dama as preparatory virtues; truthfulness and sense-control purify antaḥkaraṇa.
Application: Practice mindful attention (drishti-samyama) and truthful, measured speech; maintain respectful conduct across power differentials.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: repeated emphasis on satya, indriya-nigraha, and proper conduct toward dependents
FAQs
This verse emphasizes that avoiding false speech is a core dharmic discipline, to be practiced consistently in everyday relationships—especially where power dynamics exist (e.g., with dependents).
By prescribing self-control (over gaze and speech), it points to the karmic basis of the soul’s journey: disciplined conduct reduces harmful karma that would otherwise shape post-death consequences described elsewhere in the Garuda Purana.
Practice mindful looking (avoid impulsive, restless attention) and commit to truthful, non-deceptive speech—particularly when speaking to those who rely on you or cannot easily challenge you.