Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 17
Ācāra
Right Conduct
नारोहेद्विषमान्नावन्न वृक्षं न च पर्वतं अर्थायतनशास्त्रेषु तथैव स्यात् कुतूहली
nārohedviṣamānnāvanna vṛkṣaṃ na ca parvataṃ arthāyatanaśāstreṣu tathaiva syāt kutūhalī
Huwag sumakay sa bangkang di-ligtas, ni huwag umakyat sa puno o bundok. Gayundin, sa mga śāstra tungkol sa yaman at pamamahala ng kaharian, maging mapanuri at masusing mausisa.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha in the Agni Purana’s didactic narration)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Risk-avoidance and due diligence in travel and in matters of wealth/statecraft; cultivate cautious inquiry before committing resources or actions.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Commentary","entry_title":"Prudence: Avoiding Unsafe Conveyances and Applying Discernment in Artha-śāstra","lookup_keywords":["viṣama-nāva","parvata-ārohaṇa","artha-śāstra","kautūhala","viveka"],"quick_summary":"Avoid physically risky actions (unsafe boat, climbing tree/mountain) as a model for prudence. In artha and governance matters, be inquisitive and discerning before acting."}
Alamkara Type: Drishtanta (illustrative analogy)
Concept: Viveka (discriminative caution) as a universal rule—physical safety mirrors fiscal/political prudence.
Application: Before investments, alliances, appointments, or journeys, assess hazards and seek clarifying information rather than acting impulsively.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Niti-shastra (Conduct, prudence, and practical ethics)
Primary Rasa: Shanta
Secondary Rasa: Bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A traveler refuses an unstable boat at a riverbank and avoids climbing a steep tree and mountain; beside them, a learned counselor studies artha-śāstra palm-leaves with an inquisitive gaze.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, riverbank with a wobbling boat, a cautious traveler gesturing refusal, distant mountain and tree, a sage holding palm-leaf manuscript labeled artha-śāstra, earthy reds and greens, bold outlines, temple-mural composition.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central figure of a wise minister with palm-leaf manuscript, gold leaf halo-like ornamentation, vignette panels showing unsafe boat and steep mountain/tree as cautionary symbols, rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional tableau: three small panels (unsafe boat, tree climb, mountain climb) and a fourth panel of artha-śāstra study with questioning gesture, delicate lines, soft shading, clear didactic labels.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed river scene with unstable boat, court advisor in the foreground reading a manuscript, mountainous landscape in background, fine architectural border, naturalistic palette and intricate detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: nārohet = na + ārohet; viṣamānnāvam = viṣamāt + nāvam; arthāyatanaśāstreṣu = artha-āyatana-śāstreṣu; tathaiva = tathā + eva.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 155 (Nīti/Sadācāra maxims)
FAQs
It teaches practical nīti: avoid physically hazardous undertakings and apply the same careful scrutiny and inquiry when engaging with artha-śāstra (wealth/statecraft) matters.
It links everyday safety (boats, trees, mountains) with artha-śāstra reasoning, showing how the Agni Purana blends practical life-instructions with governance and economic policy discourse.
Prudent restraint and discerning inquiry reduce harm (hiṃsā) and negligence (pramāda), supporting dharmic living by preventing avoidable injury and reckless conduct.