Shloka 65
Determination of the Householder’s Dharma
Dāna: Types, Recipients, Timing, and Fruits
स तेन कर्मणा पापी दहत्यासप्तमं कुलम् । यदि स्यादधिको विप्रः शीलविद्यादिभिः स्वयम्
sa tena karmaṇā pāpī dahatyāsaptamaṃ kulam | yadi syādadhiko vipraḥ śīlavidyādibhiḥ svayam
ಆ ಕರ್ಮದಿಂದ ಆ ಪಾಪಿ ತನ್ನ ಕುಲವನ್ನು ಏಳನೇ ತಲೆಮಾರಿನವರೆಗೆ ದಹಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಆದರೆ ಆ ಕುಲದಲ್ಲೇ ಶೀಲ, ವಿದ್ಯಾದಿಗಳಿಂದ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠನಾದ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನಿದ್ದರೆ, ಹಾಗಾಗದು.
Unspecified (narrative voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa; common frame is Pulastya speaking to Bhīṣma, but not explicitly indicated by the provided verse alone)
Concept: Misguided action can ruin a lineage up to seven generations; excellence in a brāhmaṇa (conduct and learning) can mitigate or counterbalance inherited downfall.
Application: Recognize long-tail effects of unethical choices on family/community; invest in education, character, and spiritual discipline that can repair inherited patterns.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic vision of a family tree rendered as a luminous banyan: one darkened branch scorches and withers, representing a sinful deed’s spread through seven generations. Yet a single radiant brāhmaṇa figure—calm, learned, and disciplined—stands at the roots with scripture in hand, and golden light begins to heal the blackened limbs, showing mitigation through superior śīla and vidyā.","primary_figures":["a symbolic sinful man","ancestral silhouettes (seven generations)","a superior brāhmaṇa (śīla-vidyā-yukta)","a witnessing sage (optional)"],"setting":"mythic landscape with a vast banyan/family-tree motif; subtle celestial backdrop","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["midnight blue","smoldering crimson","antique gold","ash gray","pure white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: allegorical banyan-family tree with seven ancestor medallions along branches; one branch dark and scorched with ember tones; at the base, a haloed brāhmaṇa holding palm-leaf śāstra emits gold-leaf radiance that restores the tree; ornate borders, gem-like highlights, rich reds and greens with heavy gold embellishment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical allegory—banyan tree with delicate leaves, seven faint ancestor figures in translucent washes; a learned brāhmaṇa in saffron-white sits reading, light spreading softly; cool mountain-like palette with refined linework and gentle gradients.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; stylized banyan with seven ancestor icons; dramatic contrast between blackened branch and golden healing aura from the brāhmaṇa; temple-panel composition, strong reds/yellows/greens, decorative bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central banyan motif framed by lotus borders; seven ancestor roundels like mandalas; a radiant brāhmaṇa figure at center with peacocks and floral creepers; deep indigo cloth ground with gold detailing, intricate repetitive patterns emphasizing generational rhythm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple drum","conch shell","wind through trees","solemn bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दहति + आ + सप्तमम् → दहत्यासप्तमम् (इ/ई + आ → या); स्यात् + अधिकः → स्यादधिको (त् + अ → द्); शील+विद्या+आदिभिः → शीलविद्यादिभिः (समाहार/समुच्चयार्थे).
FAQs
It teaches that a sinful action can bring ruin upon one’s lineage up to seven generations, highlighting the social and ancestral repercussions of unethical conduct.
It suggests an exception: if there is an outstanding brāhmaṇa in the family—marked by good character and learning—his virtues can counterbalance or prevent the family’s downfall.
Personal actions are not isolated; they can affect descendants and ancestors. Therefore, cultivating virtue (śīla), knowledge (vidyā), and related qualities is presented as a protective moral force.