Shloka 65
Determination of the Householder’s Dharma
Dāna: Types, Recipients, Timing, and Fruits
स तेन कर्मणा पापी दहत्यासप्तमं कुलम् । यदि स्यादधिको विप्रः शीलविद्यादिभिः स्वयम्
sa tena karmaṇā pāpī dahatyāsaptamaṃ kulam | yadi syādadhiko vipraḥ śīlavidyādibhiḥ svayam
அந்தச் செயல் காரணமாகப் பாவி தன் குலத்தை ஏழாம் தலைமுறை வரை அழிவுறச் செய்கிறான். ஆனால் அந்தக் குலத்தில் ஒழுக்கம், கல்வி முதலியவற்றால் மேன்மையுடைய பிராமணன் இருந்தால், அவ்வாறு ஆகாது.
Unspecified (narrative voice within Svarga-khaṇḍa; common frame is Pulastya speaking to Bhīṣma, but not explicitly indicated by the provided verse alone)
Concept: Misguided action can ruin a lineage up to seven generations; excellence in a brāhmaṇa (conduct and learning) can mitigate or counterbalance inherited downfall.
Application: Recognize long-tail effects of unethical choices on family/community; invest in education, character, and spiritual discipline that can repair inherited patterns.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A symbolic vision of a family tree rendered as a luminous banyan: one darkened branch scorches and withers, representing a sinful deed’s spread through seven generations. Yet a single radiant brāhmaṇa figure—calm, learned, and disciplined—stands at the roots with scripture in hand, and golden light begins to heal the blackened limbs, showing mitigation through superior śīla and vidyā.","primary_figures":["a symbolic sinful man","ancestral silhouettes (seven generations)","a superior brāhmaṇa (śīla-vidyā-yukta)","a witnessing sage (optional)"],"setting":"mythic landscape with a vast banyan/family-tree motif; subtle celestial backdrop","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["midnight blue","smoldering crimson","antique gold","ash gray","pure white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: allegorical banyan-family tree with seven ancestor medallions along branches; one branch dark and scorched with ember tones; at the base, a haloed brāhmaṇa holding palm-leaf śāstra emits gold-leaf radiance that restores the tree; ornate borders, gem-like highlights, rich reds and greens with heavy gold embellishment.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical allegory—banyan tree with delicate leaves, seven faint ancestor figures in translucent washes; a learned brāhmaṇa in saffron-white sits reading, light spreading softly; cool mountain-like palette with refined linework and gentle gradients.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; stylized banyan with seven ancestor icons; dramatic contrast between blackened branch and golden healing aura from the brāhmaṇa; temple-panel composition, strong reds/yellows/greens, decorative bands.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central banyan motif framed by lotus borders; seven ancestor roundels like mandalas; a radiant brāhmaṇa figure at center with peacocks and floral creepers; deep indigo cloth ground with gold detailing, intricate repetitive patterns emphasizing generational rhythm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["low temple drum","conch shell","wind through trees","solemn bell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दहति + आ + सप्तमम् → दहत्यासप्तमम् (इ/ई + आ → या); स्यात् + अधिकः → स्यादधिको (त् + अ → द्); शील+विद्या+आदिभिः → शीलविद्यादिभिः (समाहार/समुच्चयार्थे).
FAQs
It teaches that a sinful action can bring ruin upon one’s lineage up to seven generations, highlighting the social and ancestral repercussions of unethical conduct.
It suggests an exception: if there is an outstanding brāhmaṇa in the family—marked by good character and learning—his virtues can counterbalance or prevent the family’s downfall.
Personal actions are not isolated; they can affect descendants and ancestors. Therefore, cultivating virtue (śīla), knowledge (vidyā), and related qualities is presented as a protective moral force.