Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 122
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
लोहोडुपेन प्रतरन्निमजत्युदके यथा । ततैवाकृतपुण्यास्तु तारयन्ति कथं परान् ॥ २२ ॥
lohoḍupena pratarannimajatyudake yathā | tataivākṛtapuṇyāstu tārayanti kathaṃ parān || 22 ||
Như người định vượt nước bằng thuyền sắt mà lại chìm xuống, cũng vậy, kẻ chưa tích lũy công đức thì làm sao có thể đưa người khác qua bờ?
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It teaches that one must first gain personal spiritual fitness—merit, discipline, and realization—before attempting to guide others; otherwise, both teacher and follower risk sinking in saṃsāra.
Bhakti is not merely speech or instruction; it requires lived purity and sustained practice. Without cultivating puṇya through devotion, vows, and right conduct, one cannot effectively inspire or uplift others toward Hari-bhakti.
The verse emphasizes adhikāra (qualification) and prayojana (purpose): in any śāstric discipline—ritual, mantra, or teaching—competence and inner preparedness are essential before undertaking leadership or instruction.