Agni Purana — Sahitya-shastra, Shloka 23
Chapter 338 — शृङ्गारादिरसनिरूपणम्
Exposition of the Rasas beginning with Śṛṅgāra
शङ्कानिष्टागमोत्प्रेक्षा स्यादसूया च मत्सरः मदिराद्युपयोगोत्थं मनःसंमोहनं मदः
śaṅkāniṣṭāgamotprekṣā syādasūyā ca matsaraḥ madirādyupayogotthaṃ manaḥsaṃmohanaṃ madaḥ
疑惧、臆想不愿之事将至，以及推测种种不祥之可能——此即嫉妒之心 asūyā 与妒忌/悭吝之心 matsara。所谓醉迷 mada，是由饮酒等物所致、令心识昏乱迷惑之状态。
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Philosophy","practical_application":"Self-audit of mental vices (doṣa) to prevent unethical speech/actions; recognizing intoxication as a cognitive impairment to be avoided in decision-making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Asūyā–Matsara–Mada (envy, jealousy, intoxication)","lookup_keywords":["asūyā","matsara","mada","śaṅkā","madirā"],"quick_summary":"Envy/jealousy are framed as suspicion and pessimistic projection; intoxication is defined as mind-bewilderment caused by liquor and similar substances—useful for ethical restraint and mental hygiene."}
Concept: Mental afflictions (envy/jealousy) arise from suspicious projection; intoxication is a definable cognitive delusion caused by substances.
Application: Cultivate non-suspicion and refrain from intoxicants to preserve discernment (viveka) and ethical conduct.
Khanda Section: Niti-shastra / Dharma-psychology (Vices and mental afflictions)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A moral-psychology tableau: a person gripped by suspicion and envy, contrasted with another person intoxicated, mind-clouded by liquor.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, two-panel didactic scene: left a figure with narrowed eyes and anxious gestures (śaṅkā, asūyā, matsara), right a staggering figure with a wine cup, swirling dark aura around the head indicating manas-sammoha; traditional borders and lotus motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf highlights: central seated sage pointing to two vignettes—envy/jealousy as shadowy attendants whispering into a man’s ear, and intoxication as a figure holding a golden cup with clouded eyes; rich textiles, embossed ornaments.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition: labeled vignettes for śaṅkā, utprekṣā of undesirable events, asūyā/matsara, and mada from madirā; delicate linework, muted palette, clear facial expressions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, courtly interior: one courtier suspiciously watching rivals (envy/jealousy), another intoxicated with a goblet, blurred gaze; fine architectural details, patterned carpets, subtle psychological expressions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: śaṅkāniṣṭāgamotprekṣā = śaṅkā + niṣṭā + āgama + utprekṣā (samāhāra-dvandva, treated as sg.); syād = syāt (before vowel); madirādyupayogotthaṃ = madirā-ādi-upayoga-uttham; manaḥsaṃmohanam = manaḥ + saṃmohanam.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 338 (doṣa/bhāva definitions continuing in 338.24–338.27)
FAQs
It gives precise lakṣaṇas (definitions) of inner vices—especially asūyā/matsara (envy/jealousy) and mada (intoxication)—useful for self-governance and dharmic conduct.
Beyond ritual topics, it catalogues psychological and ethical categories (doṣa-lakṣaṇa), showing the text’s wide scope that includes moral science and practical guidance on human behavior.
Recognizing and restraining envy/jealousy and intoxication is presented as essential for purity of mind and right action, reducing harmful karmic tendencies that arise from delusion and resentment.