Shloka 10
Explanation of the Sapiṇḍana Rite; Causes of Pretahood; Viṣṇu Worship and Preta-ghaṭa Dāna
तेन विद्धो मृगो ऽतीव बाणेन सुदृढेन च / बाणमादाय तं तस्य स वने ऽदर्शनं ययौ
tena viddho mṛgo 'tīva bāṇena sudṛḍhena ca / bāṇamādāya taṃ tasya sa vane 'darśanaṃ yayau
Rusa itu tertusuk parah oleh anak panah yang sangat kukuh; sambil membawa anak panah itu—milik si pemburu—ia lenyap dari pandangan ke dalam rimba.
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda)
Concept: Harm inflicted does not end with the act; consequences ‘carry’ forward beyond sight, returning through pursuit and result.
Vedantic Theme: Karma’s persistence (anubandha) and the unseen continuation of cause-effect; hiṃsā as a binding force.
Application: Avoid needless harm; recognize that actions have lingering effects even when the immediate outcome disappears from view.
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: forest thicket/trail
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: hiṃsā and cruelty as causes of painful karmaphala (general doctrinal link)
FAQs
It illustrates a cause-and-effect narrative where an act of harm does not end immediately but continues with consequences, reinforcing the Purana’s emphasis on karmic results.
While not directly describing the soul’s journey, it supports the broader Preta Kanda theme that actions (especially violence) generate results that later manifest during post-death accounting and experiences.
Practice restraint and compassion in actions that cause suffering; recognize that harmful deeds can create lingering consequences beyond the immediate moment.