Sloka 221
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Sloka 221
Original Text:
ब्रह्मैवेदं विश्वमित्येव वाणी श्रौती ब्रूतेऽथर्वनिष्ठा वरिष्ठा । तस्मादेतद्ब्रह्ममात्रं हि विश्वं नाधिष्ठानाद्भिन्नतारोपितस्य ॥ २३१ ॥
Certainly! Here is the requested breakdown of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
brahmaivedaṁ viśvamityeva vāṇī śrautī brūte'tharvaniṣṭhā variṣṭhā। tasmādetadbrahmamātraṁ hi viśvaṁ nādhiṣṭhānādbhinnatāropitasya ॥ 231 ॥
- **Translation:**
The revered Vedic statement declares that this universe is indeed Brahman alone. Established firmly in the Atharva Veda, this understanding is the supreme teaching. Therefore, this universe is solely Brahman and is not different or separate from its substratum, onto which dualities are superimposed.
- **Word Meanings:**
- *brahma* - Brahman, the ultimate reality - *eva* - indeed - *idam* - this - *viśvam* - universe - *iti* - thus - *eva* - alone - *vāṇī* - speech, statement - *śrautī* - pertaining to the Śruti or Vedic texts - *brūte* - states, declares - *atharvaniṣṭhā* - established in the Atharva Veda - *variṣṭhā* - the most excellent, supreme - *tasmāt* - therefore - *etat* - this - *brahmamātram* - solely Brahman - *hi* - indeed - *viśvam* - universe - *na* - not - *adhiṣṭhānāt* - from the substratum - *bhinnatā* - separateness - *āropitasya* - superimposed
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes the non-dual vision of Advaita Vedanta, where the universe (viśvam) is perceived as nothing but Brahman, the ultimate reality. The authoritative declaration comes from Vedic scriptures, particularly resonating with the teachings of the Atharva Veda, which are held in high regard within the Vedic tradition. The phrase "brahma eva idam viśvam" denies any duality; what appears as the universe is indeed Brahman, with no real difference from the substratum. The illusion of separateness or distinction arises due to superimposition (āropita) of names, forms, and dualities onto the non-dual truth. The sloka advocates realizing this unity and perceiving the universe not as an entity distinct from Brahman but as an expression of Brahman itself. This insight is crucial for spiritual seekers striving to transcend the illusions of duality and realize the singular, all-encompassing reality referred to as Brahman.
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