Shloka 19
Characteristics of the King and His Servants
Rāja-dharma, Nīti, and Ethical Revenue
अन्धा हि राजा भवति यस्तु सास्त्रविवर्जितः / अन्धः पश्यति चारेण शास्त्रहीनो न पश्यति
andhā hi rājā bhavati yastu sāstravivarjitaḥ / andhaḥ paśyati cāreṇa śāstrahīno na paśyati
まことに、シャーストラ（śāstra）を離れた王は盲となる。盲人は導き手によってなお見ることができるが、シャーストラなき者はまったく見えない。
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Scriptural and ethical knowledge is indispensable for rulership; guidance (ācārya/mantrin) can aid physical limitation, but absence of śāstra destroys discernment itself.
Vedantic Theme: Pramāṇa (right means of knowledge) and viveka; śāstra as light removing avidyā in the domain of action.
Application: Rulers/administrators should study dharma-śāstra and nīti, consult learned advisors, and institutionalize ethical training; individuals should seek principled guidance rather than act from impulse.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: royal court/administration
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.111 (rājadharma emphasis on śāstra, artha, counsel)
FAQs
This verse states that without śāstra a ruler becomes “blind,” meaning incapable of discerning dharma and adharma correctly; śāstra functions as the true instrument of moral and judicial clarity.
It contrasts physical blindness (which can be aided by a guide) with the deeper blindness of being śāstra-less—implying that without principled, time-tested dharmic standards, one cannot truly perceive what is right.
Base decisions on clear ethical frameworks and disciplined learning (dharma/śāstra), not impulse or convenience—especially in leadership, law, family duties, and public responsibility.