Vamana Purana — Harihara Non-Duality, Shloka 34

Harihara Non-Duality and the Revelation of Sadasiva to the Ganas

Devanagari script

न त्वेव योग्या यूयं हि महाज्ञानस्य कर्हिचित् अपवादभयाद् गुह्यं भवतां हि प्रकाशये

Transliteration

na tveva yogyā yūyaṃ hi mahājñānasya karhicit apavādabhayād guhyaṃ bhavatāṃ hi prakāśaye

Translation

“Namun kamu semua sesungguhnya tidak pernah layak bagi pengetahuan agung ini. Walau demikian, kerana takut celaan (apavāda), aku menyingkapkan kepada kamu apa yang rahsia.”

Speakers

• Jīmūtavāhana to the gaṇas (continuation of the address).

Key Themes

• Adhikāra (qualification) for knowledge
• Guhya-vidyā (esoteric teaching)
• Social accountability and fear of censure (apavāda)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "bhayanaka", "secondaryRasa": "adbhuta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What does ‘not qualified for great knowledge’ imply in Purāṇic pedagogy?

It reflects the doctrine of adhikāra: teachings—especially ‘guhya’—are traditionally graded by the listener’s preparedness (ethical discipline, devotion, initiation, or capacity). The speaker signals a tension between secrecy and disclosure.

Why would ‘fear of apavāda’ motivate disclosure rather than secrecy?

The line suggests a social or moral pressure: withholding may invite blame (e.g., for concealing a needed explanation, failing a duty to instruct, or allowing misunderstanding). Thus, to avoid censure, the speaker chooses to reveal what is otherwise confidential.

Is ‘mahājñāna’ here philosophical (jñāna) or narrative ‘inside information’?

The verse allows both readings. In many Purāṇic contexts, ‘jñāna’ can mean doctrinal insight, but it can also denote privileged knowledge about identities, causes, or hidden connections within a mythic narrative—precisely what the prior verses set up.