Shloka 21
Ruci and the Pitṛs: On Marriage, Debts (Ṛṇa), and Desireless Karma
विहिताकरणानर्थो न सद्भिः क्रियते तु यः / संयमो मुक्तये यो ऽन्यः प्रत्युताधोगतिप्रदः
vihitākaraṇānartho na sadbhiḥ kriyate tu yaḥ / saṃyamo muktaye yo 'nyaḥ pratyutādhogatipradaḥ
विहिताकरणजन्योऽनर्थः यस्य संयमः, स सद्भिः न क्रियते। मुक्तये यो न, स अन्यः संयमो प्रत्युत अधोगतिं प्रददाति।
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Restraint that causes neglect of enjoined duties is not practiced by the good; restraint not aimed at liberation can lead to downfall.
Vedantic Theme: Right renunciation is teleological (moksha-oriented) and integrated with dharma; false asceticism becomes tamasic and binding, producing adverse results.
Application: Avoid performative or harmful austerities; keep obligatory responsibilities while cultivating genuine self-control; align discipline with liberation (reduced ego, reduced craving).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana admonitions against adharma in the guise of tapas/niyama (general thematic parallel)
FAQs
This verse frames restraint as meaningful only when aligned with mokṣa and dharma; discipline that causes neglect of prescribed duties is not praised by the virtuous.
It links intention and correctness of practice to karmic direction: restraint aimed at liberation uplifts, while misguided austerity or duty-neglect contributes to adhogati (a downward karmic trajectory).
Practice self-control without abandoning rightful responsibilities—let discipline support ethical living, service, and inner purification rather than becoming performative or harmful.