Sloka 13
Sloka 13
Original Text:
अर्थस्य निश्चयो दृष्टो विचारेण हितोक्तितः । न स्नानेन न दानेन प्राणायमशतेन वा ॥ १३ ॥
- **Transliteration:**
arthasya niścayo dṛṣṭo vicāreṇa hitoktitaḥ na snānena na dānena prāṇāyamaśatena vā
- **Translation:**
The determination of truth is seen through thoughtful inquiry and beneficial advice, not through rituals like bathing, giving charity, or hundreds of breath-control exercises.
- **Word Meanings:**
* artha - truth, purpose, meaning * niścayaḥ - determination, certainty * dṛṣṭaḥ - seen, realized * vicāreṇa - through inquiry, investigation * hitoktitaḥ - through beneficial advice, wise counsel * na - not * snānena - by bathing, purification rituals * na - not * dānena - by charity, giving * prāṇāyamaśatena - by hundreds of breath-control exercises * vā - or
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes the importance of intellectual inquiry and wise counsel in discerning the truth or understanding the essence of any matter. In many spiritual traditions, rituals such as bathing, charity, and breath control are often prescribed practices for purification and spiritual progress. However, this sloka suggests that these rituals, while having their own value, are not sufficient for grasping deep truths or making sound judgments.
The verse highlights the significance of "vicāra" or thoughtful analysis and "hitoktitaḥ" or listening to wise advice. It underscores the idea that mere physical or ritualistic acts cannot replace the need for mental clarity and discernment. This perspective is particularly relevant in Vedantic philosophy, where self-inquiry (ātma-vicāra) is considered a crucial process for realizing the self and understanding the deeper principles of life.
By stating that knowledge and understanding come not through external practices but through inner discernment, the sloka places a higher value on the cultivation of wisdom and intellect. It encourages seekers to engage in sincere contemplation and seek guidance from enlightened individuals to achieve true understanding, thereby promoting a balance between spiritual practices and the development of an insightful mind.
Further Readings: