Shloka 58
Prohibitions and Rules of Right Conduct (Ācāra): Theft, Speech, Purity, Residence, and Social Boundaries
न सर्प शस्त्रैः क्रीडेत स्वानि खानि न संस्पृशेत् । रोमाणि च रहस्यानि नाशिष्टेन सह व्रजेत्
na sarpa śastraiḥ krīḍeta svāni khāni na saṃspṛśet | romāṇi ca rahasyāni nāśiṣṭena saha vrajet
സർപ്പഹന്തക ആയുധങ്ങളുമായി കളിക്കരുത്; സ്വന്തം ദേഹത്തിലെ രന്ധ്രങ്ങളെ സ്പർശിക്കരുത്. രഹസ്യമായി രോമങ്ങളെയോ ഗുഹ്യാംഗങ്ങളെയോ തൊടരുത്; അശിഷ്ടനോടു കൂട്ടുകൂടരുത്.
Unspecified (context not provided for this single verse)
Concept: Indriya-samyama (sense-restraint) and śauca (purity) are protected by avoiding reckless tools, secret self-touching, and the company of the uncultured.
Application: Avoid idle handling of dangerous objects; maintain modesty and hygiene; choose uplifting company; treat the body as a temple fit for japa and pūjā.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A quiet āśrama courtyard at dawn: a young vrata-observer sets aside a serpent-killing implement and turns toward a small Viṣṇu shrine, choosing restraint over impulse. In the background, a dignified elder gestures gently, teaching decorum and the avoidance of coarse company.","primary_figures":["a vrata-observer (gṛhastha or brahmacārin)","an elder teacher (ṛṣi-like)","Viṣṇu (as a small shrine icon)"],"setting":"āśrama courtyard with tulasī platform and a modest Viṣṇu altar; a boundary path leading away from a noisy, rough crowd in the distance","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","leaf green","lotus pink","saffron gold","deep indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a serene āśrama scene with a central Viṣṇu shrine adorned in gold leaf, the disciple respectfully stepping back from a discarded serpent-weapon; rich reds and greens, ornate jewelry on the deity icon, embossed gold halo, temple-lamp glow, meticulous floral borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate dawn in an āśrama garden, cool greens and pale gold sky; refined figures with gentle gestures—teacher advising restraint, disciple turning toward Viṣṇu; lyrical trees, a small tulasī vrindā, subtle narrative contrast with distant coarse figures.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments; a composed teacher instructing a devotee before a Viṣṇu icon with large expressive eyes; warm red/yellow/green palette, stylized foliage, temple-wall aesthetic emphasizing purity and discipline.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a devotional courtyard with lotus motifs and ornate borders; a small Viṣṇu/Śrī icon at center, tulasī plant prominent; peacocks and floral arabesques framing the moral scene of restraint, deep blues and gold accents."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","soft conch shell","morning birds","gentle wind in leaves","silence between lines"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nāśiṣṭena = na + aśiṣṭena (न + अ → ना); bracketing: na sarpa śastraiḥ (समुच्चयार्थे)
FAQs
It teaches self-restraint and propriety: avoid reckless handling of dangerous tools, maintain bodily decorum, and avoid the influence of uncultured company.
It advises not to keep close company or travel/associate with those lacking discipline and good manners, since such association erodes one’s own conduct.
It emphasizes modesty and disciplined behavior, cautioning against improper or obsessive private actions and encouraging dignified, regulated conduct.