Shloka 16
The Episode of Śivaśarmā: Testing Somaśarmā through Service and Truth
नरेण कर्मयुक्तेन पापपुण्यमयेन हि । शोधनं च कुरुष्व त्वमुभयो रोगयुक्तयोः
nareṇa karmayuktena pāpapuṇyamayena hi | śodhanaṃ ca kuruṣva tvamubhayo rogayuktayoḥ
ด้วยมนุษย์ผู้ประกอบกรรม—ซึ่งการกระทำปนทั้งบาปและบุญ—ท่านจงยังความชำระให้บังเกิดแก่ทั้งสองผู้ถูกโรคาพาธครอบงำด้วยเถิด
Unclear from single-verse context (likely a dialogue instruction within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa narration)
Concept: Even a karma-yukta human whose life is mixed with pāpa and puṇya can become an agent of purification by serving and cleansing the afflicted; compassionate action itself becomes śodhana.
Application: Care for the sick, elders, and teachers without disgust; treat caregiving as a sacred offering, and let daily chores become intentional purification.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A humble householder kneels beside two fevered elders, holding a brass water pot and clean cloths, preparing to cleanse and comfort them. The scene emphasizes inner purity through outward service: the caregiver’s bowed head, the elders’ frailty, and a quiet aura of sanctity filling an ordinary room.","primary_figures":["Somaśarmā (devotee/householder)","two afflicted elders (guru-like brāhmaṇas)"],"setting":"Simple rural dwelling or āśrama room with a low cot, water vessel, herbal bundles, and a small Viṣṇu lamp in the background.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["warm ochre","lamp-gold","indigo shadow","cotton white","tulasi green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a humble devotee performing purificatory service to two ailing brāhmaṇas, small Viṣṇu shrine with deepam in the corner, gold leaf halo-like radiance around the act of service, rich maroon and emerald textiles, ornate brass vessels, gem-studded ornaments kept minimal to highlight humility.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate indoor caregiving scene, delicate brushwork on faces showing fatigue and compassion, cool muted palette with soft browns and slate blues, fine textile patterns, a tiny tulasi pot near the doorway, lyrical stillness and refined expressions.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and expressive eyes, the caregiver in a respectful bent posture, stylized brass pot and lamp, earthy reds/yellows/greens, sacred aura suggested by concentric motifs behind the figures, temple-wall aesthetic applied to a domestic dharma scene.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional framing where the act of service is presented as offering to Viṣṇu—lotus borders, subtle shankha-chakra motifs, deep blue background panel with gold highlights, floral vines and tulasi leaves encircling the central caregiving tableau."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bell","low oil-lamp crackle","distant night insects","gentle water pouring","silence between phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्मयुक्तेन (समास); पापपुण्यमयेन (समास); रोगयुक्तयोः (समास)
FAQs
It highlights karma’s mixed nature (sin and merit) and frames purification (śodhana) as something to be effected—through human agency—for those suffering afflictions.
Yes. The phrase “nareṇa …” implies purification is brought about through a person engaged in action, emphasizing responsible agency rather than passivity.
Even when actions carry mixed moral results, one should actively pursue purification and relief of suffering—especially for those who are afflicted.