The Yamagita is referenced in various Hindu scriptures such as the Vishnu Purana (3.7), the Agni Purana (381), and the Narasimha Purana (8). Among these, the Yama Geeta from the Vishnu Purana is particularly well-known, consisting of a concise 39 verses. In this enlightening dialogue, Maitreya queries Parashara about the actions and way of life that liberate individuals from the clutches of Yama, the god of death. Parashara, in turn, recounts a conversation between Nakula and Bhishma, the revered grandsire, who had gleaned wisdom from a sagacious brahmana in the land of Kalinga. This wisdom forms the essence of the Yama Gita.
The narrative unfolds as a duta (servant) of Yama embarks on
a mission to seek out the souls approaching death. Yama advises the duta to
refrain from touching the devotees of Bhagavan Vishnu, emphasizing his lack of
control over them. When asked to delineate the characteristics of a Vishnu
devotee, Yama offers a detailed description. Such a devotee adheres steadfastly
to the duties prescribed for their varna and ashrama, maintaining equanimity
towards friends and foes. Pure of mind, they meditate incessantly upon Bhagavan
Vishnu, remaining untouched by the arishadvarga —the six passions including
lust, hate, anger and greed. This devotee exudes inner and outer peace and
refrains from committing sins or crimes.
Conversely, Yama delineates the traits of an evil person,
one who engages in theft, falsehood, and harm to living beings. This individual
is marked by arrogance, jealousy, and the abuse of others, particularly those
of virtuous nature. Neglectful of rituals and devoid of generosity, the evil
person fails to treat kin with kindness, persistently committing sins in the
company of malevolent associates.
Yama concludes his guidance to the duta by emphasizing the inviolability of Vishnu's devotees, perpetually shielded by his cakra or discus. The Yamageeta thus imparts profound insights into righteous living and the distinctive qualities that set apart those dedicated to the worship of Vishnu from those who succumb to malevolence.