Shloka 113
Vṛṣotsarga (Bull-Release Gift): Procedure, Merit, and Narratives on Dharma, Karma, and Liberation
क्षिप्रं नश्यति धर्मज्ञ जलानां शरदो यथा / वैश्य उवाच / पीत्वा ते वाक्यपीयूषं स्वान्तं मे शान्तिमागमत्
kṣipraṃ naśyati dharmajña jalānāṃ śarado yathā / vaiśya uvāca / pītvā te vākyapīyūṣaṃ svāntaṃ me śāntimāgamat
Wahai yang mengetahui dharma, kebenaran cepat lenyap—seperti air pada musim luruh. Si Vaiśya berkata: Setelah meneguk nektar kata-katamu, batinku mencapai kedamaian.
Vaiśya (a merchant/householder figure in the narrative)
Concept: Dharma is easily lost without vigilant practice; satsanga and śāstra-upadeśa restore inner peace.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi through śravaṇa of sad-vākya; śānti as a mark of sattva.
Application: Treat ethical clarity as perishable; seek regular guidance from the wise and internalize teachings through reflection and daily conduct.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.6.114-117 (continuation: praise of darśana and vṛṣotsarga as dharmic means)
FAQs
It warns that dharma can fade rapidly if neglected—like seasonal waters drying in autumn—so one should practice and protect righteous conduct without delay.
While not describing a specific afterlife stage, it frames the moral foundation needed for a favorable post-death journey: dharma must be stabilized in life, and true instruction brings inner clarity that supports right action.
Do not postpone ethical duties; seek reliable spiritual counsel, reflect on it, and let it settle the mind—then act consistently before good intentions “dry up” under changing circumstances.