Drishti Putam Nyaset Padam — Word-by-Word Meaning
दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
दृष्टिपूतम्
dṛṣṭi-pūtam
purified by sight (after looking carefully)
न्यसेत्
nyaset
one should place, set down
पादम्
pādam
the foot, one's step
वस्त्रपूतम्
vastra-pūtam
purified through a cloth (filtered)
जलम्
jalam
water
पिबेत्
pibet
one should drink
सत्यपूतम्
satya-pūtam
purified by truth, made truthful
वदेत्
vadet
one should speak
वाक्यम्
vākyam
speech, words
मनःपूतम्
manaḥ-pūtam
purified by the mind (after honest reflection)
समाचरेत्
samācaret
one should act, conduct oneself
Complete Translation
Set down your foot only after purifying the ground with your sight; drink only water purified through a cloth; speak only words purified by truth; and act only after purifying your conduct with a clear mind. The verse prescribes four disciplines of mindful living — watchful steps, clean water, truthful speech and considered action — so that one harms none and lives with purity.
Origin & History
Source: Sanskrit Subhashita (niti tradition; cited in the Manusmriti and dharma literature)
Author: Anonymous (traditional subhashita)
Period: Classical Sanskrit literature
This verse on mindful conduct appears in the wider dharma and niti literature of India, where right action and harmlessness were taught as the foundation of a good life. Its four crisp instructions — for the feet, for water, for speech and for deeds — made it an easy and beloved rule of life, recited to instill watchfulness and compassion toward all beings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Drishti Putam Nyaset Padam mean?▼
It means: 'Place your foot only after looking carefully, drink water filtered through a cloth, speak only truthful words, and act only after honest reflection.' It prescribes four disciplines of mindful, harmless living.
Why does the verse emphasise looking before stepping and filtering water?▼
Both are expressions of ahimsa (non-violence): by watching where one steps and by straining water, one avoids harming tiny creatures. The verse extends this same care to speech and action.
Which traditions cherish this shloka?▼
It is a widely loved subhashita on conduct, treasured especially in the ahimsa-centred traditions of India, and is often cited as a compact code for ethical, mindful daily living.
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