Shloka 4
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
मूर्खशिष्योपदेशेन दुष्टस्त्रीभरणेन च / दुष्टानां संप्रयोगेण पण्डितो ऽप्यवसीदति
mūrkhaśiṣyopadeśena duṣṭastrībharaṇena ca / duṣṭānāṃ saṃprayogeṇa paṇḍito 'pyavasīdati
احمق شاگرد کو نصیحت کرتے رہنے سے، بدکردار عورت کی کفالت سے، اور بدکاروں کی صحبت سے—عالم بھی آخرکار زوال و ہلاکت میں پڑ جاتا ہے۔
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda / Vinata-putra)
Concept: Even paṇḍitas decline through three drains: futile instruction to an unfit disciple, sustaining an adhārmic spouse, and association with the wicked.
Vedantic Theme: Mind’s purity (antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi) is fragile; saṅga and daily duties shape vāsanās more than mere learning.
Application: Teach only receptive students; set standards and boundaries in mentorship; do not enable unethical behavior in family systems; audit one’s inner circle regularly.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108 (nīti on saṅga and prudence)
FAQs
This verse states that association (saṃprayoga) with the wicked can cause even a learned person to fall, making discernment in relationships a core dharmic safeguard.
By emphasizing moral decline through harmful associations, it implies that one’s choices and conduct shape karma, which in turn influences one’s post-death trajectory described elsewhere in the Garuda Purana.
Choose mentors, students, partners, and peer groups carefully; minimize prolonged involvement with destructive behaviors, and cultivate uplifting company that supports ethical living.