Shloka 12
The Glory of Truthful Oaths and Keeping One’s Promise
Satya & Pratijñā
करं दत्त्वा तु यो मर्त्यो वचनस्य च पालनम् । तावन्न कुर्यात्पितरः प्राप्नुवंति च यातनाम्
karaṃ dattvā tu yo martyo vacanasya ca pālanam | tāvanna kuryātpitaraḥ prāpnuvaṃti ca yātanām
ผู้ใดให้มือเป็นคำปฏิญาณ แต่ไม่รักษาวาจา—ตราบใดที่ยังไม่ทำให้สำเร็จ บรรพชน (ปิตฤ) ของเขาก็ยังต้องประสบทุกข์และทรมาน
Not specified in the provided excerpt (context needed from surrounding verses)
Concept: Breaking a pledged word harms not only oneself but also burdens one’s ancestors with suffering until restitution is made.
Application: Do not make vows lightly; if you fail, repair quickly—apologize, compensate, and complete the promised act; remember that personal integrity affects family wellbeing and social trust.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A man clasps another’s hand in pledge, but the clasp dissolves into broken threads; behind him, translucent pitṛs appear in a dim ancestral realm, their faces strained as if weighed down by the unkept promise. In the foreground, a scroll of ‘vācā’ (word) lies torn, while a lamp flickers, urging restitution.","primary_figures":["a pledge-breaker (householder)","pitṛs (ancestors) in subtle ethereal forms","a witness-sage or Dharma personified"],"setting":"Split-scene: earthly courtyard with handshake/pledge, and a shadowed pitṛ-loka vignette behind a veil of smoke.","lighting_mood":"lamp-lit with ominous shadows","color_palette":["smoky umber","lamp gold","deep maroon","slate blue","bone white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic split-panel composition—earthly pledge scene below, pitṛ-loka above; gold leaf on the lamp flame and sacred thread motifs, ornate borders, rich reds and greens; pitṛs rendered with subdued halos, emphasizing karmic linkage.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: nuanced emotional expressions, delicate architecture of a courtyard, thin veil separating worlds; pitṛs painted in pale washes like mist; restrained palette with fine linework and poignant storytelling.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized pitṛ figures with expressive eyes in a darkened upper register; central broken handshake motif; warm ochres and reds contrasted with deep blues, temple-wall narrative clarity.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: symbolic broken garland and severed sacred thread motifs around a central vignette; narrative medallions showing pledge, neglect, and eventual restitution; floral borders, deep blue ground, gold detailing, devotional didactic tone."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["low drum pulse (mridang-like)","faint wind","single bell strike","silence after warning"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tāvanna → tāvat + na; kuryātpitaraḥ → kuryāt + pitaraḥ; prāpnuvaṃti → prāpnuvanti (spelling normalization).
FAQs
It indicates a solemn pledge—like giving one’s hand as a sign of agreement—emphasizing the seriousness of a promise.
It teaches that breaking one’s pledged word is not only a personal fault; it is portrayed as causing spiritual distress that affects one’s ancestral line as well.
Keep your word once given; failing to honor a promise is a grave breach of dharma with consequences extending beyond oneself.