Garuda Purana — Brahma Khanda, Shloka 17
Dharma-sāra: Dāna-mahātmyam, Karma-vāda, and the Conquest of Grief and Greed
भ्रूणहा ब्रह्महा गोघ्नः पितृहा गुरुतल्पगः / भूमिं सर्वगुणोपेतां दत्त्वा पापैः प्रमुच्यते
bhrūṇahā brahmahā goghnaḥ pitṛhā gurutalpagaḥ / bhūmiṃ sarvaguṇopetāṃ dattvā pāpaiḥ pramucyate
胎児を殺した者、バラモンを殺した者、牛を殺した者、父母を殺した者、あるいは師の床を汚した者であっても、あらゆる善徳を備えた土地を布施すれば、罪より解き放たれる。
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa, Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Prāyaścitta through dāna: even grave transgressions are mitigated by prescribed, substantial gifts.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-phala and purification (citta-śuddhi) as a prerequisite for higher pursuit; dharma as a means to reduce pāpa-saṃskāra.
Application: Frame restitution/atonement as tangible support to society (land for sustenance/learning), performed with right intention and proper recipient.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: ritual-gift setting
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Dāna/Prāyaścitta sections): recurring praise of bhū-dāna, go-dāna, anna-dāna as pāpa-śamana
FAQs
This verse presents bhūmi-dāna—donating high-quality, beneficial land—as a powerful prāyaścitta (expiation) capable of removing even severe sins classified as mahāpātakas.
By stating that grave karmic offences can be mitigated through prescribed expiation, it implies that the soul’s post-death consequences are shaped by karma, and that dharmic remedies (like dāna) can reduce the burden that would otherwise lead to suffering after death.
Live with restraint to avoid harm, and when seeking ethical repair, practice meaningful charity—supporting livelihoods, education, and sustainable land/community resources—done with sincerity and dharmic intent.