Shloka 39
Ratna-parīkṣā: Vajra (Diamond/Thunderbolt) — Origin, Types, Testing, Defects, Weights, and Royal Auspiciousness
अल्पेनापि हि दोषेण लक्ष्यालक्ष्येण द्वषितम् / स्व (स) मूल्याद्दशमं भागं वज्रं लभति मानवः
alpenāpi hi doṣeṇa lakṣyālakṣyeṇa dvaṣitam / sva (sa) mūlyāddaśamaṃ bhāgaṃ vajraṃ labhati mānavaḥ
അൽപമായ ദോഷം കൊണ്ടുപോലും—കാണുന്നതായാലും കാണാത്തതായാലും—വസ്തു മലിനമാകുന്നു; അപ്പോൾ മനുഷ്യൻ അതിനെ യഥാർത്ഥ മൂല്യത്തിന്റെ പത്തിലൊന്നിന് മാത്രമേ ലഭിക്കൂ.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vainateya)
Concept: Even minor दोष (defect) produces disproportionate परिणाम (consequence); the unseen also bears fruit.
Vedantic Theme: Sūkṣma-kāraṇa (subtle causes) yielding tangible effects; necessity of viveka and vigilance.
Application: Inspect for both visible and hidden defects; account for risk/quality in pricing and commitments.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.68.39-40 (defects and valuation gradation)
FAQs
This verse highlights that even a minor fault—seen or unseen—reduces worth, implying that purity in action and intention is central to dharma.
By stressing that subtle, unseen defects still carry consequences, it supports the Garuda Purana’s broader theme that inner dispositions (saṃskāras) shape karmic outcomes beyond death.
Maintain integrity in both outward behavior and inner motives; even small lapses (especially hidden ones) can greatly diminish trust, merit, and the quality of one’s results.