Shloka 17
Dharma as the Cause of Prosperity and the Signs of a Righteous Death
तस्माच्छ्रुतं महासिद्धात्सर्वसंदेहनाशनम् । विप्रधर्मं समाश्रित्य अनुवर्त्तस्व सर्वदा
tasmācchrutaṃ mahāsiddhātsarvasaṃdehanāśanam | vipradharmaṃ samāśritya anuvarttasva sarvadā
เพราะฉะนั้น เมื่อได้สดับคำสอนจากมหาสิทธะผู้สำเร็จ—คำสอนที่ทำลายความสงสัยทั้งปวง—จงอาศัยธรรมของพราหมณ์เป็นที่พึ่ง และปฏิบัติตามอยู่เสมอ
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa 14; likely an instructing sage addressing a listener)
Concept: Doubt is dispelled by receiving teaching from a realized authority and by steady adherence to vipra-dharma (brahminical virtues and conduct).
Application: Seek guidance from trustworthy teachers, adopt daily disciplines (truthfulness, cleanliness, restraint, study), and practice consistency—‘always’—rather than sporadic zeal.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene hermitage interior where a venerable mahāsiddha-sage sits on kuśa grass, right hand raised in teaching gesture. A humble seeker bows with folded hands, as palm-leaf manuscripts and a small sacrificial fire glow softly, symbolizing doubt dispelled by dharma-guided instruction.","primary_figures":["mahāsiddha sage","seeker-disciple"],"setting":"forest āśrama with vedi (altar), palm-leaf manuscripts, water pot, and tulasi in a clay pot at the threshold as a subtle Vaishnava marker","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","smoke gray","leaf green","ochre gold","deep maroon"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a seated mahāsiddha guru in an āśrama teaching a kneeling disciple, gold leaf halo around the guru, rich maroon and emerald textiles, gem-studded ornaments on manuscript stand, stylized tulasi pot near the doorway, ornate arch frame with traditional South Indian iconography.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet forest hermitage with delicate brushwork, cool greens and soft browns, refined faces, the guru gesturing toward palm-leaf śāstra, a thin stream and distant hills, lyrical naturalism emphasizing calm instruction and doubt dissolving.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, natural pigments, the guru with large expressive eyes and ochre skin tones, disciple in añjali, lamp and vedi rendered in temple-wall aesthetic, red/yellow/green palette with rhythmic floral borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional teaching scene framed by lotus and vine borders, deep indigo background with gold highlights, tulasi motifs repeated along the margins, peacocks perched on branches, central figures simplified yet sacred, emphasizing dharma and śaraṇāgati."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","crackling fire","forest birds","gentle silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्माच्छ्रुतं → तस्मात् + श्रुतं (त् + श् → च्छ्); महासिद्धात्सर्व... → महासिद्धात् + सर्व... (त् + स → त्स).
FAQs
It urges the listener to accept doubt-destroying instruction received from an accomplished authority and to consistently live according to vipra-dharma (the ethical and spiritual discipline associated with a brāhmaṇa).
It describes the teaching as one that removes uncertainty and confusion—i.e., it is meant to clarify right conduct and right understanding so the practitioner can act without wavering.
The verse emphasizes steadfast adherence to righteous duty and disciplined conduct, grounded in reliable instruction from a realized or highly authoritative teacher.