Garuda Purana — Moksha Sadhana Prakarana, Shloka 18
Haristuti-saṅgraha: Devatā–Ṛṣi Praṇāma, Nāma-māhātmya, and Vairāgya from Deha-āsakti
एतेषु शक्तिर्यदि वै स जीवो कर्ता च भोक्ता च सदा च दाता / योषां च पुत्रसुहृदौ च पशूंश्च सर्वमेवं विनश्यति यतो हि तदाशु छिन्धि
eteṣu śaktiryadi vai sa jīvo kartā ca bhoktā ca sadā ca dātā / yoṣāṃ ca putrasuhṛdau ca paśūṃśca sarvamevaṃ vinaśyati yato hi tadāśu chindhi
Nếu sức lực của chúng sinh thật sự đặt cả vào những ràng buộc ấy, và nhờ đó mà mãi là kẻ làm, kẻ hưởng, kẻ ban phát—thì vợ, con, bạn hữu, cho đến gia súc cũng đều tiêu hoại như thế. Vì vậy, hãy mau chặt đứt sự chấp trước ấy.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Anitya (impermanence) of worldly ties; false identification as doer/enjoyer/giver through them; cultivate detachment swiftly.
Vedantic Theme: Viveka between the perishing (anitya) and the enduring Self; loosening ahamkara/mamakara that bind the jiva to samsara.
Application: Contemplate mortality and change; practice non-possessiveness; fulfill duties without clinging; simplify attachments and redirect love into devotion and service.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.7.17 (prayer for dispassion); Garuda Purana 3.7.19 (samsara-duhkha and refuge)
FAQs
This verse stresses that family, friends, and possessions inevitably perish, so clinging to them binds the jiva to sorrow; detachment is advised as preparation for death and the afterlife journey.
By highlighting the perishability of worldly supports, it implies the soul cannot rely on relatives or property after death; one must turn toward dharma and inner discrimination rather than external ties.
Live responsibly with loved ones but reduce possessiveness: prioritize dharmic conduct, charity, and spiritual practice, remembering that relationships and wealth are temporary.