Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 50
Karmas Leading to Hell and Heaven
Ethical Catalog of Destinies
निंदितानि न कुर्वंति कुर्वंति विहितानि च । आत्मशक्तिं विजानंति ते नराः स्वर्गगामिनः
niṃditāni na kurvaṃti kurvaṃti vihitāni ca | ātmaśaktiṃ vijānaṃti te narāḥ svargagāminaḥ
Họ không làm các việc bị chê trách, mà làm các việc được truyền dạy. Biết rõ nội lực của chính mình, những người ấy tiến về cõi trời.
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa context)
Concept: Avoid prohibited actions, perform enjoined duties, and recognize one’s inner capacity (ātma-śakti); such disciplined discernment leads to svarga.
Application: Use a daily filter: (1) Is this condemned/harmful? (2) Is this my duty/right action? (3) Do I have the inner strength to follow through? Build habits that make right action easier than wrong action.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee stands at a crossroads where one path is dark and thorny (nindita karma) and the other is bright and lotus-strewn (vihita karma). He holds a small scripture and a lamp, symbolizing śāstra-guided discernment, while a radiant inner flame at the heart signifies ātma-śakti; above, a svarga-lotus canopy opens.","primary_figures":["upright devotee","symbolic figures of vice (shadow forms)","symbolic figures of virtue (luminous attendants)"],"setting":"Crossroads near a temple boundary with a visible shrine lamp and a lotus pond in the distance.","lighting_mood":"golden dawn","color_palette":["gold leaf","midnight blue","lotus pink","jade green","ivory"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dramatic crossroads composition; devotee holding śāstra and lamp, gold leaf radiance on the righteous path with lotus motifs, dark textured background on the condemned path; ornate temple elements, gem-like highlights, svarga-lotus arch above with heavy gilding.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: elegant landscape with two diverging paths, delicate trees and a distant pond; the devotee’s calm resolve shown in refined facial features, soft dawn gradients, luminous attendants on the right path and faint shadowy figures on the left; subtle scripture detail in hand.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlined crossroads, strong symbolic color blocks—dark for niṣiddha, bright for vihita; devotee with lamp and palm-leaf manuscript, heart-flame motif, lotus canopy overhead; traditional mural ornamentation and border florals.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central devotee framed by intricate floral borders; two patterned pathways—one thorn motif, one lotus motif—leading outward; deep indigo cloth with gold highlights, peacocks and lotuses, a small shrine lamp motif repeating to signify vihita karma as worship."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","footsteps on stone","brief silence after key phrases"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: निंदितानि = निन्दितानि; कुर्वंति/विजानंति = कुर्वन्ति/विजानन्ति (अनुस्वार-लेख्यरूपम्)
FAQs
It teaches dharmic discernment: avoid blameworthy actions (nindita) and actively perform prescribed duties (vihita), which leads to auspicious results.
It implies inner strength or self-mastery—understanding and governing one’s capacities and impulses so that one can adhere to dharma.
It links heavenly attainment with ethical conduct: disciplined avoidance of prohibited deeds and performance of enjoined duties are presented as causes for reaching svarga.