Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 16
Episode of King Vena: Deceptive Doctrine, Compassion, and the Contest over Dharma
वेन उवाच । तवैव कीदृशं कर्म किं ते दर्शनमेव च । किमाचारो वदस्वैहि इत्युक्तं तेन भूभुजा
vena uvāca | tavaiva kīdṛśaṃ karma kiṃ te darśanameva ca | kimācāro vadasvaihi ityuktaṃ tena bhūbhujā
Vena nói: “Ngươi làm những nghiệp hạnh như thế nào? Giáo kiến (darśana) của ngươi là gì? Và hạnh kiểm của ngươi ra sao? Hãy nói cho ta tại đây.” Vị vua ấy đã hỏi như vậy.
Vena
Concept: Dharma must be examined through three lenses—karma (deeds), darśana (worldview), and ācāra (conduct)—before it is accepted as a path.
Application: Before adopting a spiritual practice, ask: What actions does it require? What worldview does it assume? What daily conduct does it shape? Choose what increases sattva, compassion, and devotion without rejecting essential duties.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A stern king seated on a lion-throne in a pillared hall raises his hand in pointed inquiry, while an ascetic interlocutor stands calmly before him. Courtiers and scribes hold palm-leaf manuscripts, sensing a doctrinal contest about deeds, worldview, and conduct.","primary_figures":["King Vena","Pātaka (ascetic/teacher figure)","court sages/counsellors"],"setting":"royal court (dharma-sabha) with carved pillars, hanging lamps, and manuscript stands","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["deep maroon","antique gold","smoky sandalwood brown","ivory parchment","peacock green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: King Vena on an ornate lion-throne inside a South Indian-style pillared mandapa, right hand lifted in interrogation, the ascetic teacher standing with calm gaze; heavy gold leaf halos, rich reds and greens, gem-studded crown and ornaments, stylized lotus borders, sacred manuscript details.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a refined court scene with delicate brushwork—Vena seated on a low throne under a canopy, the ascetic standing with a staff; cool palette, lyrical architectural lines, attentive courtiers, subtle facial expressions, fine textile patterns.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines and natural pigments—Vena with large expressive eyes and regal posture, the ascetic in ochre robes; temple-hall backdrop, red/yellow/green dominance, rhythmic ornamental borders, lamp flames rendered as stylized motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a courtly pavilion framed by lotus and floral borders; Vena and the ascetic centered, with intricate textile patterns and gold accents; deep blues and reds, decorative arches, manuscript motifs integrated into the border design."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["soft court murmurs","temple bells in distance","palm-leaf rustle","lamp crackle","brief silence after the question"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तवैव = तव + एव; दर्शनमेव = दर्शनम् + एव; किमाचारो = किम् + आचारः; वदस्वैहि = वदस्व + एहि; इत्युक्तं = इति + उक्तम्
FAQs
He asks three things: the person’s karma (deeds), darśana (doctrinal/philosophical standpoint), and ācāra (actual conduct/discipline).
The verse frames an ethical evaluation: beliefs (darśana) should align with actions (karma) and lived behavior (ācāra), forming a consistent dharmic life.
A person is assessed not only by claims or ideology, but by the harmony between worldview and daily practice—conduct is the test of doctrine.