Sloka 22
Sloka 22
Original Text:
विरज्य विषयव्राताद्दोषदृष्ट्या मुहुर्मुहुः । स्वलक्ष्ये नियतावस्था मनसः शम उच्यते ॥ २२ ॥
Certainly! Here is an analysis of the provided sloka.
- **Transliteration:**
virajya viṣayavrātād doṣadṛṣṭyā muhurmuhuḥ | svalakṣye niyatāvasthā manasaḥ śama ucyate || 22 ||
- **Translation:**
The constant withdrawal of the mind from the multitude of sensory objects, due to seeing their faults, and its steadfast focus on one's true goal is known as tranquility or peace of mind.
- **Word Meanings:**
* virajya - renouncing, withdrawing * viṣayavrātāt - from the multitude of sensory objects * doṣadṛṣṭyā - by seeing the defects * muhuḥ muhuḥ - repeatedly, again and again * svalakṣye - on one's own target or goal * niyata - steadfast, fixed * avasthā - state, condition * manasaḥ - of the mind * śamaḥ - tranquility, calmness * ucyate - is called
- **Commentary:**
This sloka emphasizes the importance of mental discipline in the pursuit of spiritual tranquility or śama. The essence of the verse is the practice of detachment and focused attention. It advises constant detachment from sensory pleasures which are seen as superficial and ultimately unsatisfactory. This detachment is achieved by becoming aware of the inherent flaws of such pleasures—ephemerality, dependency, and potential to cause suffering.
The phrase "muhurmuhuḥ" indicates the necessity of making this process a continual practice. It's not a one-time effort but a persistent, repetitive act of drawing the mind away from the allure of sensory objects.
Moreover, "svalakṣye niyatāvasthā" suggests that as the mind becomes less entangled in external distractions, it should become strategically focused on a higher, noble goal, often interpreted as the Self or ultimate truth in Vedantic texts.
In practical terms, this sloka suggests exercises like meditation and self-reflection to cultivate awareness of the ephemeral nature of worldly objects, thereby training the mind to be consistently focused inwardly rather than outwardly. This internal calmness or śama is considered essential for higher spiritual pursuits and is an integral part of the inner purification process in Vedantic practice.
Further Readings: