Shloka 21
Brahmā’s Discourse to Mohinī
Harivāsara, Desire, and the Satya-Test of Rukmāṅgada
तस्मान्न वीक्षयेन्नारीं सुतां वापि वधूं नरः । साभिलाषेण मनसा तत्क्षणात्पतते नरः ॥ २१ ॥
tasmānna vīkṣayennārīṃ sutāṃ vāpi vadhūṃ naraḥ | sābhilāṣeṇa manasā tatkṣaṇātpatate naraḥ || 21 ||
Do đó, một người nam không nên nhìn ngắm phụ nữ với tâm ý dục vọng, dù đó là con gái hay con dâu của mình; ngay khoảnh khắc đó, người ấy sa ngã khỏi chánh đạo.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It teaches that inner intention (the desirous mind) is decisive in dharma: even a moment of lustful regard causes a moral and spiritual decline, so vigilance over thought and sight is essential.
Bhakti requires purity (śuddhi) and sense-restraint; by warning against lustful attention, the verse safeguards the devotee’s mind so it can remain steady in remembrance of the Divine rather than pulled outward by desire.
It aligns with śikṣā and dharma-śāstra style discipline: training attention, speech, and conduct (sadācāra) as practical supports for study, ritual life, and sustained spiritual practice.