Nīti for Calamity, Wealth, Friendship, Charity, and Restraint of Kāma
वृक्षं क्षीणफलं त्यजन्ति विहगाः शुष्कं सरः सारसानिर्द्रव्यं पुरुषं त्यजन्ति गणिका भ्रष्टं नृपं मन्त्रिणः / पुष्पं पर्युषितं त्यजन्ति मधुपाः दर्ग्ध वनान्तं मृगाः सर्वः कार्यवशाज्जनो हि रमते कस्यास्ति को वल्लभः
vṛkṣaṃ kṣīṇaphalaṃ tyajanti vihagāḥ śuṣkaṃ saraḥ sārasānirdravyaṃ puruṣaṃ tyajanti gaṇikā bhraṣṭaṃ nṛpaṃ mantriṇaḥ / puṣpaṃ paryuṣitaṃ tyajanti madhupāḥ dargdha vanāntaṃ mṛgāḥ sarvaḥ kāryavaśājjano hi ramate kasyāsti ko vallabhaḥ
جب درخت کے پھل ختم ہو جائیں تو پرندے اسے چھوڑ دیتے ہیں، اور جب تالاب سوکھ جائے تو سارَس اسے ترک کر دیتے ہیں۔ بے مال آدمی کو طوائف چھوڑ دیتی ہے، اور اقتدار سے گرا ہوا بادشاہ وزیروں سے محروم ہو جاتا ہے۔ مرجھایا پھول شہد کی مکھیاں چھوڑ دیتی ہیں، اور جلا ہوا جنگل ہرن ترک کر کے بھاگتے ہیں۔ لوگ غرض پوری ہونے تک ہی ساتھ رہتے ہیں—پھر کس کا کون سچا محبوب ہے؟
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Worldly relationships often persist due to utility; therefore one should not mistake convenience for enduring love or belonging.
Vedantic Theme: Anityatva (impermanence) and asakti (non-attachment) as supports for viveka; loosening aham-mama (I/mine) clinging.
Application: Cultivate discernment in friendships and alliances; invest in dharma and inner steadiness rather than expecting permanence from external supports.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Dharma-niti sections): teachings on vairagya, friendship, and the unreliability of worldly ties (general parallel themes)
This verse emphasizes that most worldly attachments are conditional and utility-driven, encouraging vairāgya so one anchors life in dharma rather than unstable social ties.
By highlighting the unreliability of worldly support, it implicitly directs the listener toward spiritual preparation—merit (puṇya), right conduct, and remembrance of the Divine—since companions and status do not accompany the soul.
Build relationships on integrity and duty, not transaction; cultivate savings and service without arrogance; and practice daily remembrance/discipline so your stability doesn’t depend on wealth, power, or praise.