Shloka 29
Sat-saṅga, Dharma-Nīti, Karma-Phala, Śauca, and Vairāgya
Overcoming Grief
अन्यथा शास्त्रगार्भिण्या धिया धीरोर्ऽथमीहते / स्वामिवत्प्राक्कृतं कर्म विदधाति तदन्यथा
anyathā śāstragārbhiṇyā dhiyā dhīror'thamīhate / svāmivatprākkṛtaṃ karma vidadhāti tadanyathā
Jika tidak, orang bijaksana—dengan akal yang disirami ajaran śāstra—mencari tujuan yang benar. Namun karma lampau yang telah menjadi kebiasaan, bagaikan seorang tuan, membuatnya bertindak sebaliknya, bertentangan dengan itu.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Even the wise, guided by śāstra, may be compelled by prior habitual karma; liberation requires transforming saṃskāras.
Vedantic Theme: Saṃskāra-vāsanā as binding momentum; need for abhyāsa and vairāgya so buddhi can govern rather than be governed.
Application: Use śāstra, satsanga, and disciplined practice to weaken compulsive patterns; build new saṃskāras through repeated right action and devotion.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: repeated stress on saṃskāra and karma as drivers of rebirth and experience
FAQs
This verse says a śāstra-formed intellect helps a person aim at the true goal, even when inner habits and karmic momentum pull the mind elsewhere.
Yes. It compares past-formed karma to a “master,” indicating that ingrained karmic tendencies can redirect a person away from what they know is right.
Pair right understanding with disciplined practice: reduce harmful habits, repeat dharmic actions until they become your new “master,” and use śāstra-based reflection to stay aligned with your true aims.