Sloka 12
Sloka 12
Original Text:
सम्यग्विचारतः सिद्धा रज्जुतत्त्वावधारणा । भ्रान्तोदितमहासर्पभयदुःखविनाशिनी ॥ १२ ॥
Certainly! Here's a detailed analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
samyagvicārataḥ siddhā rajjutattvāvdhāraṇā । bhrāntoditamahāsarpabhayaduḥkhavināśinī ॥ 12 ॥
- **Translation:**
The correct understanding of the reality of the rope is attained through thorough investigation, which dispels the fear and suffering caused by the illusion of a great serpent.
- **Word Meanings:**
* samyak - correctly, perfectly * vicārataḥ - by investigation, by thorough enquiry * siddhā - attained, accomplished * rajju - rope * tattva - truth, reality * avadhāraṇā - comprehension, understanding * bhrānta - mistaken, deluded * udita - arisen, caused by * mahā - great * sarpa - serpent, snake * bhaya - fear * duḥkha - suffering, distress * vināśinī - destroyer, one who eliminates
- **Commentary:**
This sloka uses the classic Vedantic metaphor of the rope and snake (rajju-sarpa) to illustrate the nature of illusion (māyā) and reality. In the example, a rope lying on the ground is mistaken for a snake due to poor light or partial vision, leading to unnecessary fear and anxiety. Similarly, in life, the ignorance of the true nature of the self (ātman) leads to misperceptions and emotional turmoil.
The sloka emphasizes the importance of 'samyag vicāra' – right inquiry or discrimination. It is through such deep contemplation and analysis that one can ascertain the true nature of reality. Vedanta encourages aspirants to question and reflect upon the nature of existence, leading to the realization (avadhāraṇā) that what was perceived as the cause of fear and suffering (the snake) is, in fact, an illusion, having no true independent existence apart from the rope.
The broader philosophical implication is profound; it suggests that by realizing the true nature of the self (Brahman) through sincere inquiry, the fear and suffering born out of ignorance (avidyā) dissolve. This aligns with the ultimate goal of Vedantic practice: attaining liberation (moksha) through self-realization. The metaphor thus serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of knowledge over ignorance.
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