Shloka 6
Yamavākya
The Words of Yama
नियोगी यस्तु वै भूत्वा आत्मवेश्मनि भोक्ष्यति । भृत्यान्वै कर्मकरणे राज्ञो मार्जारतां व्रजेत् ॥ ६ ॥
niyogī yastu vai bhūtvā ātmaveśmani bhokṣyati | bhṛtyānvai karmakaraṇe rājño mārjāratāṃ vrajet || 6 ||
यो नियोगी भूत्वा स्ववेश्मनि स्वयमेव भोक्ष्यति, राजभृत्यान् स्वकार्यकरणे नियुञ्जीत, स मार्जारतां व्रजेत्।
Narada (instructional narration within Uttara-Bhaga)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It teaches rāja-dharma and personal dharma: abusing entrusted power and public resources for private enjoyment creates heavy pāpa and leads to a degraded rebirth, symbolized here as becoming a cat.
Bhakti is grounded in integrity and non-exploitation; service to Bhagavān is incompatible with exploiting others. The verse warns that unrighteous conduct blocks inner purity, which is essential for stable devotion.
It aligns with Dharmaśāstra-style rāja-nīti (ethical governance) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; the practical takeaway is correct application of duty (karma) and accountability in public office.