Shloka 24
Teaching of Karma-yoga
Student Conduct, Vedic Study, and Gāyatrī Supremacy
लौकिकं वैदिकं वापि तथाध्यात्मिकमेव वा । आददीत यतो ज्ञानं तं न द्रुह्येत्कदाचन
laukikaṃ vaidikaṃ vāpi tathādhyātmikameva vā | ādadīta yato jñānaṃ taṃ na druhyetkadācana
ไม่ว่าความรู้จะเป็นทางโลก ทางพระเวท หรือทางจิตวิญญาณก็ตาม—พึงเรียนจากผู้ที่ให้ความรู้นั้นแก่ตน และอย่าได้ทรยศหรือทำร้ายท่านผู้นั้นไม่ว่าเมื่อใด
Unspecified (context-dependent within Svargakhaṇḍa 53)
Concept: Honor the source of your learning in every domain; do not harm or betray the teacher/benefactor from whom knowledge is received.
Application: Practice intellectual integrity: credit teachers, avoid backbiting, protect mentors’ dignity, and repay learning through service and ethical conduct.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A triad of learning is visualized: a scholar teaches Vedic recitation beside a fire altar, a craftsman instructs worldly skill with tools, and a saint imparts inner wisdom under a banyan—yet the disciple bows equally to each. A luminous thread connects teacher to student, symbolizing gratitude that prevents betrayal.","primary_figures":["disciple","Vedic ācārya","craft teacher","spiritual sage"],"setting":"Three-part panoramic composition: yajña-śālā, workshop corner, and banyan-shaded meditation spot blended into one continuous landscape.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sandalwood beige","fire orange","banyan green","lapis blue","golden white"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: triptych-like scene with gold leaf accents—Vedic teacher by fire altar, artisan teacher with tools, saint under banyan; central disciple offering namaskāra to all, ornate borders, rich reds/greens, gem-studded highlights on altar vessels and halos.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: continuous landscape with three teaching vignettes, delicate brushwork, refined faces, soft atmospheric perspective, cool blues/greens with warm fire glow, lyrical unity emphasizing gratitude.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines and flat pigments, three teaching stations arranged symmetrically, prominent eyes and gestures of blessing, red/yellow/green palette with stylized banyan and altar flames.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: ornate floral borders and lotus motifs framing three knowledge scenes, deep blue ground with gold highlights, peacocks and cows as auspicious witnesses, emphasis on devotional humility toward all sources of vidyā."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["tanpura drone","soft fire crackle","page/leaf rustle","distant bell","gentle birdsong"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वापि=vā+api; तथाध्यात्मिकमेव=tathā+ādhyātmikam+eva; द्रुह्येत्कदाचन=druhyet+kadācana
FAQs
It explicitly includes laukika (worldly), vaidika (Vedic/scriptural), and adhyātmika (spiritual, Self-related) knowledge—covering practical, religious, and inner wisdom.
It teaches non-betrayal: the person from whom one receives knowledge should never be harmed, deceived, or treated with treachery—an instruction grounded in gratitude and dharma.
It presents learning as a relationship carrying moral obligations: receiving knowledge is not merely transactional, and the integrity of the learner is measured by loyalty and respect toward the knowledge-giver.