Shloka 16
Sevaka-parīkṣā (Testing and Appointment of Servants) and Rājadharma Outcomes
अकारणविष्कृतकोपधारिणः खलाद्भयं कस्य न नाम जायते / विषं महाहेर्विषमस्य दुर्वचः सदुः सहं सन्निपतेत्सदा मुखे
akāraṇaviṣkṛtakopadhāriṇaḥ khalādbhayaṃ kasya na nāma jāyate / viṣaṃ mahāherviṣamasya durvacaḥ saduḥ sahaṃ sannipatetsadā mukhe
Quem não temeria o perverso que abriga cólera sem motivo? O veneno da grande serpente é terrível, mas a fala áspera do homem tortuoso é ainda mais insuportável—atinge o rosto repetidas vezes.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: अकारण-कोप and दुर्वचः are more damaging than physical विष; verbal cruelty repeatedly wounds and destabilizes समाज-धर्म.
Vedantic Theme: Ahimsa in speech; mind’s rajas-tamas manifests as anger and harsh words; purification through restraint (dama) and satya-priya-vākya.
Application: Practice anger management and compassionate speech; avoid people who erupt without cause; build communication norms that prevent repeated verbal harm.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: social/ethical arena (interpersonal)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana nīti/dharma verses on anger (krodha), दुर्वचन, and दुर्जन-परिहार
FAQs
This verse elevates speech-ethics as a core part of dharma, warning that cruel words from the wicked can be more damaging and persistent than physical dangers like poison.
By condemning causeless anger and harsh speech, it implies that such conduct is adharma and a seed for negative karmic outcomes, urging self-restraint and discernment in company.
Avoid reactive anger, limit association with abusive or manipulative people, and practice truthful, measured speech—especially when provoked.