Drishti Putam Nyaset Padam
दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादम् in English · English
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✦ Meaning
Drishti Putam Nyaset Padam is a revered verse on mindful, non-violent living. It lays down four simple disciplines: walk after looking so as to harm no creature, drink water filtered through a cloth, speak only what is true, and act only after honest reflection. Cherished especially in the ahimsa traditions, it distills careful conduct into a single memorable shloka.
Origin & Story
Sanskrit Subhashita (niti tradition; cited in the Manusmriti and dharma literature) · Anonymous (traditional subhashita) · 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.
✦ As told in scripture
Sages who lived by this verse were said to tread so gently that no creature was harmed by their passing, and their truthful, considered words were trusted by all, showing how a single shloka, faithfully followed, can refine an entire life.
The Mantra
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dṛṣṭi-pūtaṁ nyaset pādaṁ vastra-pūtaṁ jalaṁ pibet। satya-pūtaṁ vaded vākyaṁ manaḥ-pūtaṁ samācaret॥
Meaning: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.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादम्
Instills mindfulness and care in every step, word and action
Embodies the principle of ahimsa — harming no living being
Teaches the purity of truthful speech and considered conduct
Encourages habits of cleanliness and watchfulness in daily life
A concise guide to ethical, conscientious living
Useful for cultivating awareness and self-discipline in daily practice
How to Chant दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादम्
Recite the verse as a daily vow, taking each of its four disciplines to heart — careful steps, filtered water, truthful speech and mindful action. Let it set the tone for a day lived with awareness and harmlessness. Many use it as a brief code of conduct to recall before stepping out into the world.
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Read the full दृष्टिपूतं न्यसेत्पादम् with verse-by-verse meaning, or explore more sacred texts