Sloka 38
Sloka 38
Original Text:
अयं स्वभावः स्वत एव यत्पर श्रमापनोदप्रवणं महात्मनाम् । सुधांशुरेष स्वयमर्ककर्कश प्रभाभितप्तामवति क्षितिं किल ॥ ३८ ॥
Certainly! Let's delve into the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
ayam svabhāvaḥ svata eva yatparaśramāpanodapravaṇaṁ mahātmanām। sudhāṁśureṣa svayamarkakarkaśaprabhābhitaptāmavati kṣitiṁ kila॥ 38॥
- **Translation:**
This is indeed the innate nature of the great souls who are inclined to alleviate the suffering of others. The moon, of its own accord, cools the earth scorched by the harsh rays of the sun.
- **Word Meanings:**
* ayam - this * svabhāvaḥ - nature, innate quality * svataḥ - of its own accord * eva - indeed * yat - which * para - others * śrama - toil, suffering * apanoda - removal, alleviation * pravaṇam - inclined, predisposed * mahātmanām - of the great souls * sudhāṁśuḥ - the moon * eṣaḥ - this * svayam - by itself * arka - sun * karkaśa - harsh * prabhā - rays, light * abhitaptām - scorched, heated * avati - protects, cools * kṣitim - the earth * kila - indeed
- **Commentary:**
This sloka elegantly captures the selfless nature of great souls (mahātmanām) who, like the moon, naturally incline towards alleviating the sufferings of others. It draws a beautiful comparison between the moon's innate ability to cool the earth, which is scorched by the severe rays of the sun, and the way great individuals act out of their compassionate nature without any external prompting. The metaphor highlights that just as the moon emits its gentle glow to soothe and nurture, the great souls operate from an inner inclination to bring relief and comfort to those around them. They do not wait for an invitation nor seek reward; their actions are driven purely by inherent compassion. This depiction serves as an ideal model in Vedantic philosophy, advocating the virtues of compassion, benevolence, and the selfless service of others—qualities that are held in high regard within the spiritual framework.
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