Shloka 41
Entry into Yama’s Abode; Nature, Causes, and Signs of the Preta-State
पितृवाक्यं न कुरुते स्वपत्नीं च न सेवते / सदा क्रूरमतिर्व्यग्रः सा पीडा प्रेतसम्भवा
pitṛvākyaṃ na kurute svapatnīṃ ca na sevate / sadā krūramatirvyagraḥ sā pīḍā pretasambhavā
Sesiapa yang tidak mengindahkan kata ayahnya dan tidak memuliakan serta menjaga isterinya—sentiasa berhati kejam dan gelisah—menanggung derita yang lahir daripada keadaan preta.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda, Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Pretayoni
Concept: Disrespect to father (pitṛ-vākya) and neglect of one’s wife violate gṛhastha obligations; persistent cruelty and agitation are framed as preta-born suffering.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as purifier of antaḥkaraṇa; tamasic agitation (vyagra) obstructs sattva and right relationship.
Application: Practice filial respect, listen to elders, uphold spousal responsibility and care; cultivate steadiness and compassion to counter cruelty and agitation.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: gṛhastha duties and śrāddha importance (general); preta-lakṣaṇa context in 2.20.39–43
FAQs
This verse treats disregard of a father’s rightful counsel as adharma that ripens into post-death suffering, linking familial duty directly with karmic consequences in the preta-state.
It indicates that certain unethical patterns—cruelty, agitation, and neglect of core duties—can manifest as preta-janita pīḍā, i.e., afflictions experienced in the intermediate post-death condition rather than peace and onward progress.
Cultivate respectful responsiveness to parents/elders, fulfill marital responsibilities with care, and reduce cruelty and chronic agitation—these are presented as protective dharmic habits that prevent heavy karmic fallout.