Garuda Purana — Preta Kalpa, Shloka 11
Āyuḥ-kṣaya by Vikarma; Impermanence of the Body; Aśauca and Child Śrāddha Procedures; Dāna as Remedy
वेदानभ्यसनेनैव कुलाचारं न सेवते / आलस्यात्कर्मणां त्यागो निषिद्धे ऽप्यादरः सदा
vedānabhyasanenaiva kulācāraṃ na sevate / ālasyātkarmaṇāṃ tyāgo niṣiddhe 'pyādaraḥ sadā
Tanpa mempelajari Weda, seseorang tidak menapaki adat-dharma leluhur. Karena malas ia meninggalkan kewajiban, namun selalu condong pada yang terlarang.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Without Vedic study, one abandons lineage duties; laziness causes omission of prescribed rites while desire clings to prohibited acts.
Vedantic Theme: Tamas and rajas overpower sattva; avidyā expresses as pramāda (carelessness) leading to adharma and bondage.
Application: Commit to regular svādhyāya (study), maintain family/ethical responsibilities, and replace forbidden cravings with disciplined, wholesome practices.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: household/social sphere
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: recurring condemnation of ālasya, niṣiddha-ācaraṇa, and neglect of nitya/naimittika karma (thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse links neglect of Vedic learning with loss of disciplined conduct (kulācāra), implying that scriptural grounding sustains dharma and protects one from drifting into prohibited behavior.
In the Preta Kanda’s moral framework, abandoning prescribed duties while pursuing forbidden acts increases pāpa (sin), which is presented as a cause for suffering and adverse consequences in Yama’s domain after death.
Maintain regular study of sacred teachings and uphold ethical family duties; avoid excusing negligence as “lack of time,” and consciously restrain attraction toward prohibited or harmful actions.