Section 2 4
आत्मा को न जानना ही आत्महत्या है | Not Knowing the Self Is Self-Destruction
Summary (in English)
These slokas from classical texts emphasize the rarity and value of human birth, particularly when endowed with intelligence and strength. It is an unparalleled opportunity for attaining *ātma-mukti* (self-liberation). The passages highlight the notion that not striving for self-realization, and instead holding onto the unreal, equates to self-destruction (*ātmahā*). The foolishness of neglecting one's true aim in life, despite having the privilege of a human body and manhood, is critiqued severely. These teachings urge individuals to reflect upon and prioritize spiritual pursuits over worldly distractions.
सारांश
ये श्लोक मानव जन्म, जो विशेषतः बुद्धि और शक्ति द्वारा सम्पन्न होता है, की दुर्लभता और महत्व को दर्शाते हैं। यह आत्म-मुक्ति प्राप्त करने का एक अप्रतिम अवसर है। ये श्लोक इस विचार को उजागर करते हैं कि यदि आत्म-साक्षात्कार के लिए प्रयास नहीं किया गया, और इसके बदले में अवास्तविकता को पकड़े रहें, तो यह आत्म-विनाश के बराबर है। अपने असली उद्देश्य की उपेक्षा करने की मूर्खता, विशेष रूप से तब जब मनुष्य की दुर्लभ देह और परुष प्राप्त हो, पर गंभीर आलोचना की जाती है। ये शिक्षाएँ व्यक्तियों को सांसारिक विकर्षणों पर ध्यान देने के बजाय, आध्यात्मिक प्रयासों को प्राथमिकता देने के लिए प्रेरित करती हैं।
Important Concepts (महत्वपूर्ण अवधारणाएँ)
- ātma-mukti (आत्म-मुक्ति)
- ātmahā (आत्महा)
- śruti-paradarśanam (श्रुति-पारदर्शनम्)
- deha (देह)
- pauruṣa (पौरुष)
- pramāda (प्रमाद)
Topics
- Importance of human birth in spiritual growth
- Consequences of ignoring self-interest for liberation
- The wise use of human capabilities
- The concept of spiritual self-destruction
Categories (वर्गीकरण)
- Definitions (of a concept)
- Teaching a method
- Listing ramifications (of actions or inactions)
S-V-O Tuples or Propositions as Text
| Subject | Verb | Object |
|---|---|---|
| One | obtains | rare human birth |
| Deluded person | does not strive | self-liberation |
| Deluded person | destroys | oneself by holding onto the unreal |
| Foolish person | neglects | self-interest |
| Human | has | opportunity for spiritual growth |
Slokas & Translations
Sloka 4
लब्ध्वा कथंचिन्नरजन्म दुर्लभं तत्रापि पुंस्त्वं श्रुतिपारदर्शनम् । यस्त्वात्ममुक्तौ न यतेत मूढधीः स ह्यात्महा स्वं विनिहन्त्यसद्ग्रहात् ॥ ४ ॥
Translation: Having somehow obtained the rare human birth, manhood, and the ability to discern the essence of the scriptures, if one does not strive for self-liberation, being deluded, one destroys oneself by holding onto the unreal.
Sloka 5
इतः को न्वस्ति मूढात्मा यस्तु स्वार्थे प्रमाद्यति । दुर्लभं मानुषं देहं प्राप्य तत्रापि पौरुषम् ॥ ५ ॥
Translation: Who indeed is more foolish than the one who neglects self-interest, having attained the rare human body and likewise, strength?