Shloka 15
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
नात्मच्छिद्रं परे दद्याद्विद्याच्छिद्रं परस्य च / गूहेत्कूर्म इवाङ्गानि परभावञ्च लक्षयेत्
nātmacchidraṃ pare dadyādvidyācchidraṃ parasya ca / gūhetkūrma ivāṅgāni parabhāvañca lakṣayet
Không nên phơi bày khuyết điểm của mình cho người khác, nhưng nên nhận biết khuyết điểm của người. Như con rùa thu các chi vào mai, hãy tự giữ mình cẩn mật, đồng thời quan sát ý hướng và bản tính của kẻ khác.
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa/Vinātā-putra, within the didactic discourse of the Garuḍa Purāṇa)
Concept: Protect one’s vulnerabilities; practice discretion; observe others’ weaknesses and intentions to avoid harm.
Vedantic Theme: Viveka and saṃyama applied to speech (vāk-niyama) and social conduct; guarding the mind-senses from injury.
Application: Avoid oversharing; keep personal weaknesses private; assess others’ motives before trusting; cultivate measured speech.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana nīti passages on speech-control, secrecy, and discerning company (satsaṅga vs. duḥsaṅga)
FAQs
This verse teaches dharmic prudence: do not publicize your vulnerabilities, remain self-contained, and carefully assess others’ intentions to avoid preventable harm.
Indirectly, it supports the soul’s welfare by prescribing ethical vigilance and self-restraint—qualities that reduce sinful entanglements and strengthen dharmic living, which the Purana links to better post-death outcomes.
Limit oversharing, protect your boundaries, cultivate disciplined senses, and evaluate people and situations calmly before trusting or committing.