Shloka 29
Nīti-Upadeśa: Discernment, Proper Use of Resources, and Social Strategy
नैकत्र परिनिष्ठास्ति ज्ञानस्य किल शौनक / सर्वः सर्वं न जानाति सर्वज्ञो नास्ति कुत्रचित्
naikatra pariniṣṭhāsti jñānasya kila śaunaka / sarvaḥ sarvaṃ na jānāti sarvajño nāsti kutracit
โอ้ เศานกะ! ความแน่แท้ถึงที่สุดของความรู้มิได้ตั้งมั่นอยู่เพียงแห่งเดียว ผู้ใดก็ไม่รู้ทุกสิ่ง และไม่มีผู้เป็นสรรพรู้โดยแท้ ณ ที่ใดเลย
Narratorial/teacherly voice addressing Śaunaka (R̥ṣi Śaunaka referenced in Purāṇic discourse)
Concept: No single locus yields complete certainty of all knowledge; no individual is omniscient—therefore learn through multiple sources with humility.
Vedantic Theme: Avidyā-lakṣaṇa limitation of the jīva; pramāṇa-samyak-vicāra (careful use of means of knowledge) and guru-paramparā reliance.
Application: Cross-check teachings, consult multiple competent teachers/texts, avoid dogmatism, and maintain a learner’s stance even when learned.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.110 (didactic discourse to Śaunaka; emphasis on practical wisdom)
FAQs
This verse teaches that no single person or single source holds complete certainty of all knowledge, encouraging humility and careful learning grounded in dharma.
Indirectly, it frames afterlife and dharma teachings as requiring attentive study and guidance rather than assuming total understanding—supporting a disciplined approach to teachings about karma and destiny.
Avoid dogmatism: study multiple reliable teachings, seek qualified guidance, and practice ethical living while recognizing the limits of one’s own understanding.