Sloka 316
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Sloka 316
Original Text:
यदा कदा वापि विपश्चिदेष ब्रह्मण्यनन्तेऽप्यणुमात्रभेदम् । पश्यत्यथामुष्य भयं तदैव यद्वीक्षितं भिन्नतया प्रमादात् ॥ ३३0 ॥
Certainly! Let's delve into this beautiful Sanskrit verse.
- **Transliteration:**
``` yadā kadā vāpi vipaścideṣa brahmaṇyanante'py aṇumātrabhedam | paśyatyathāmuṣya bhayaṃ tadaiva yadvīkṣitaṃ bhinnatayā pramādāt || 330 || ```
- **Translation:**
``` Whenever a wise person perceives even the slightest distinction in the infinite Brahman, at that moment alone arises fear for him, as a consequence of perceiving duality out of delusion. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **yadā** - whenever * **kadā** - at any time * **vā** - or * **api** - also * **vipaścid** - wise person * **eṣaḥ** - he * **brahmaṇi** - in Brahman * **anante** - infinite * **api** - even * **aṇumātra** - the slightest * **bhedam** - distinction * **paśyati** - perceives * **athā** - then * **amuṣya** - for him * **bhayam** - fear * **tadā** - then * **eva** - alone * **yat** - which * **vīkṣitam** - perceived * **bhinnatayā** - as separate * **pramādāt** - out of delusion
- **Commentary:**
This verse discusses a fundamental concept in Vedantic philosophy, which is the non-duality of Brahman, the ultimate reality. According to Vedanta, Brahman is an unchanging, infinite reality without any distinctions or divisions. The wise, referred to here as 'vipaścid,' are those who have the insight to perceive truth beyond the illusion of separation. However, if due to any oversight or ignorance, even a learned individual perceives the slightest distinction in Brahman, it results in a sense of fear. This fear arises because duality is tied to ignorance, which in turn leads to suffering and the existential anxiety of being separate from the whole.
The verse emphasizes the importance of perceiving oneness and cautions against the illusion of multiplicity in the context of spiritual realization. It vividly illustrates the Vedantic apprehension of the dualistic perception that emerges due to pramāda, or delusion, and underscores the necessity of undivided awareness in the journey towards spiritual liberation or moksha. The verse is a profound reminder that the perception of duality is the root cause of fear and unrest, urging seekers to cultivate the wisdom of perceiving the non-dual essence of reality.
Further Readings: