Shloka 57
Svapnādhāya (Dream-Chapter): Causes, Forms, Nourishment, and Liberation of Pretas
नास्ति सत्यं गृहे यत्र न शौचं न च संयमः / पतितैर्दस्युभिः सङ्गः प्रेता भुञ्जन्ति तत्र वै
nāsti satyaṃ gṛhe yatra na śaucaṃ na ca saṃyamaḥ / patitairdasyubhiḥ saṅgaḥ pretā bhuñjanti tatra vai
സത്യം ഇല്ലാത്ത, ശൗചവും സംയമവും ഇല്ലാത്ത—പതിതന്മാരുടെയും ദസ്യുക്കളുടെയും (കള്ളന്മാരുടെയും) സംഗമമുള്ള—അത്തരം വീട്ടിൽ തന്നെയാണ് പ്രേതങ്ങൾ നിശ്ചയമായി ഭക്ഷിക്കുന്നത്.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Satya (truth), śauca (purity), and saṃyama (self-restraint) are protective pillars; association (saṅga) with the fallen and thieves accelerates adharma and invites preta influence.
Vedantic Theme: Guṇa theory implied: tamas/rajas dominate where truth and restraint are absent; saṅga shapes vāsanā and destiny.
Application: Practice truthfulness, cleanliness, and self-control; avoid criminal/degenerate company; build a home culture that supports dharma and mental clarity.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: household
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: sadācāra and consequences of adharma; preta attraction to impure/adharmic spaces; Garuda Purana: teachings on satya and saṅga
FAQs
This verse teaches that satya (truthfulness), śauca (purity), and saṃyama (restraint) safeguard a household; their absence is described as creating conditions where pretas can “partake,” implying spiritual disturbance and karmic decline.
By linking immoral living and corrupt association with preta presence, the verse implies that unresolved, restless post-death states (preta-bhāva) are connected to adharma and impurity, affecting both the departed and the living environment.
Maintain honesty, cleanliness (physical and mental), and disciplined conduct; avoid harmful company and criminal/immoral circles—these are presented as direct, practical protections for a peaceful home and a dharmic life.