Shloka 29

Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline

Devanagari script

अहिंसा सत्यमस्तेयं शौचमिन्द्रियसंयमः / दमः क्षमार्जवं दानं सर्वेषां धर्मसाधनम्

Transliteration

ahiṃsā satyamasteyaṃ śaucamindriyasaṃyamaḥ / damaḥ kṣamārjavaṃ dānaṃ sarveṣāṃ dharmasādhanam

Translation

اہنسا، سچائی، چوری نہ کرنا، پاکیزگی، حواس پر قابو، دَم (نفس کی ضبط)، درگزر، سادگیِ طبع اور دان—یہ سب کے لیے دھرم کے وسائل ہیں۔

Word by Word

• अहिंसा: non-violence
• अहिंसा: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अहिंसा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• सत्यम्: truth
• सत्यम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: सत्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• अस्तेयम्: non-stealing
• अस्तेयम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: अस्तेय (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• शौचम्: purity/cleanliness
• शौचम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: शौच (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• इन्द्रियसंयमः: restraint of the senses
• इन्द्रियसंयमः: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: इन्द्रिय+संयम (प्रातिपदिक; समास)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्; ‘इन्द्रियाणां संयमः’

• दमः: self-control
• दमः: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दम (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• क्षमा: forbearance
• क्षमा: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: क्षमा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• आर्जवम्: straightforwardness
• आर्जवम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: आर्जव (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• दानम्: charity
• दानम्: Karta (Item in list/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: दान (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्

• सर्वेषाम्: of all (people)
• सर्वेषाम्: Sambandha (Relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सर्व (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग/नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी, बहुवचनम्; जनानाम् इति अध्याहारः

• धर्मसाधनम्: means of righteousness
• धर्मसाधनम्: Kriya (Predicate nominal/विधेय)
• Type: Noun
• Root: धर्म+साधन (प्रातिपदिक; समास)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचनम्; ‘धर्मस्य साधनम्’ (means to dharma)

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Universal virtues—ahiṃsā, satya, asteya, śauca, indriya-saṃyama, dama, kṣamā, ārjava, dāna—are the instruments of dharma for all.

Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi (purification of mind) as the foundation for higher knowledge; cultivation of sattva through yamas/niyamas-like virtues.

Application: Adopt a daily checklist of virtues; practice non-harm in speech/action, truthful communication, clean habits, sensory moderation, forgiveness, straightforward dealings, and regular giving.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Geographic Context

Type: universal/ethical domain

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96.25-28 (contextual duties culminating in universal virtues)

FAQs

What is the importance of dharma-sādhana (means of dharma) in the Garuda Purana?

This verse lists core virtues—ahimsa, truth, purity, sense-restraint, discipline, forgiveness, sincerity, and charity—as practical tools that enable anyone to establish and fulfill dharma.

How does this verse explain the path of the soul?

By emphasizing virtue and self-restraint, it points to karma-shuddhi (purification of actions and intent), which the Garuda Purana repeatedly treats as foundational for a favorable post-death journey and spiritual progress.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Practice non-harm, truthful speech, integrity, personal cleanliness, mindful control of senses, patience, honest dealing, and regular giving—these daily habits are presented as universally effective supports of dharma.