Shloka 43
Sat-saṅga, Dharma-Nīti, Karma-Phala, Śauca, and Vairāgya
Overcoming Grief
दरिद्रस्य मनुष्यस्य प्राज्ञस्य मधुरस्य च / काले श्रुत्वा हितं वाक्यं न कश्चित्परितुष्यति
daridrasya manuṣyasya prājñasya madhurasya ca / kāle śrutvā hitaṃ vākyaṃ na kaścitparituṣyati
दरिद्रस्य मनुष्यस्य प्राज्ञस्य मधुरस्य च। काले श्रुत्वा हितं वाक्यं न कश्चित् परितुष्यति॥
Lord Vishnu (addressing Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Even timely, beneficial speech may not please others; satisfaction depends on the listener’s inner state, not merely the speaker’s virtue or status.
Vedantic Theme: Recognition of rāga-dveṣa and the restless mind (aśānti) as the root of discontent; encourages vairāgya and non-attachment to outcomes of one’s counsel.
Application: Offer advice without craving approval; choose the right audience; speak hita-vākya with humility; accept that others’ reactions are not fully controllable.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Ācāra/Dharma): teachings on hita-vākya, satya with priya, and the limits of persuasion
FAQs
This verse highlights that even well-timed, welfare-oriented advice may not please people, reminding one to speak dharmic truth without attachment to immediate approval.
Indirectly, it points to a common obstacle—human dissatisfaction and resistance to good counsel—which can lead to continued adharma and thereby shape karmic outcomes discussed throughout the Preta Kanda.
Offer advice with compassion and timing, but don’t measure truth by popularity; cultivate receptivity and gratitude when hearing counsel meant for your welfare.