Shloka 20
मदो ऽत्र दोषैः सर्वैस्तु रक्तमद्यविषैरपि / शक्त्यानन्त्याद्गताभासश्चलश्छलितवेष्टितः
mado 'tra doṣaiḥ sarvaistu raktamadyaviṣairapi / śaktyānantyādgatābhāsaścalaśchalitaveṣṭitaḥ
अत्र मदो दोषैः सर्वैः सह रक्त-मद्य-विषैरपि संबद्धः। शक्त्यानन्त्याद् विवेकभ्रंशं करोति; मनश्चलः छलितो वेष्टितश्च भवति॥
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Intoxication destroys viveka (discernment) and binds the mind in deception; it is allied with multiple defects and poisons.
Vedantic Theme: Avidya/moha eclipsing buddhi; tamas-rajasic agitation producing bhranti (error) and chitta-vikshepa (restlessness).
Application: Cultivate viveka through sobriety, satsanga, and self-observation; avoid intoxicants and toxic influences; seek support if dependence exists.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.155 (mada as a condition linked with doshas and toxins; loss of discernment)
FAQs
This verse treats mada as a root-condition that gathers “all faults,” because it destroys discernment and makes a person unstable and easily led into harmful actions that create negative karma.
By stating that mada causes loss of clear judgment and entanglement, the verse implies that intoxication drives sinful choices and thus becomes a karmic cause for suffering described in the Preta/after-death teachings.
Avoid substances and habits that cloud judgment; cultivate clarity (viveka) through discipline, truthful living, and mindful restraint so actions do not become “deceived and entangled.”