Shloka 15
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
स बन्धुर्यो हिते युक्तः स पिता यस्तु पोषकः / तन्मित्रं यत्र विश्वासः स देशो यत्र जीव्यते
sa bandhuryo hite yuktaḥ sa pitā yastu poṣakaḥ / tanmitraṃ yatra viśvāsaḥ sa deśo yatra jīvyate
ഹിതത്തിനായി നിൽക്കുന്നവൻ ബന്ധു; പോഷിപ്പിച്ച് വളർത്തുന്നവൻ പിതാവ്. വിശ്വാസമുള്ളിടമാണ് മിത്രം; മാനത്തോടും സുരക്ഷയോടും ജീവിക്കാനാകുന്നിടമാണ് ദേശം।
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)
Concept: Definitions by function: relative = one committed to your welfare; father = nurturer; friend = where trust exists; homeland = where one can truly live (securely and honorably).
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa/karma-based valuation over nāma-rūpa labels; dharmic relationality as support for inner steadiness (śama).
Application: Prioritize relationships that provide genuine care; cultivate trustworthiness; choose environments (work/community) that support ethical living and safety.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: settlement/region
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108 (nīti on social roles and true markers)
FAQs
This verse defines relationships by dharmic function—welfare, nourishment, and trust—showing that moral reliability, not mere labels, makes someone truly a relative, father, or friend.
Indirectly, it supports the broader Garuda Purana ethic that right living and dependable bonds uphold dharma—foundational for good karma that shapes one’s post-death journey described elsewhere in the text.
Evaluate relationships by actions: choose companions who protect your well-being, cultivate trustworthiness, fulfill duties of care, and live where you can practice dharma safely and steadily.