Sloka 41
Sloka 41
Original Text:
तथा वदन्तं शरणागतं स्वं संसारदावानलतापतप्तम् । निरीक्ष्य कारुण्यरसार्द्रदृष्ट्या दद्यादभीतिं सहसा महात्मा ॥ ४१ ॥
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- **Transliteration**:
tathā vadantaṁ śaraṇāgataṁ svaṁ saṁsāra-dāvānala-tāpa-taptam | nirīkṣya kāruṇya-rasārdra-dṛṣṭyā dadyād abhītiṁ sahasā mahātmā || 41 ||
- **Translation**:
Thus speaking, one who has sought refuge, scorched by the heat of the forest fire of worldly existence, is beheld by the great soul with a gaze soaked in the essence of compassion. The great soul swiftly grants him fearlessness.
- **Word Meanings**:
* tathā - thus * vadantam - speaking * śaraṇāgatam - one who has sought refuge * svam - own * saṁsāra-dāvānala - the forest fire of worldly existence * tāpa-taptam - scorched by the heat * nirīkṣya - beholding * kāruṇya - of compassion * rasa-ārdra-dṛṣṭyā - with a gaze soaked in the essence * dadyāt - grants * abhītim - fearlessness * sahasā - swiftly * mahātmā - the great soul
- **Commentary**:
This verse poetically describes a profound spiritual encounter. The individual who approaches the great soul is described as being tormented by the fiery sufferings of worldly life. The 'forest fire' symbolizes the intense and consuming nature of worldly struggles and desires, often leading one into distress and turmoil.
When this weary seeker takes refuge in the presence of a mahātmā (a term used to refer to a great soul or enlightened being), they find solace and calm. The compassionate gaze of the great soul is highlighted as being imbued with 'kāruṇya' or mercy, suggesting an intuitive and heartfelt understanding of the seeker's plight.
The mahātmā, possessing profound insight and compassion, does not hesitate; he 'sahasā' or instantly provides relief by bestowing 'abhīti', the removal of fear. This act is not just an emotional comfort but a transformative grace, offering the seeker a profound sense of fearlessness and liberation from their oppressive existential burdens.
This interaction signifies the power of divine compassion and the grace of a true spiritual master, who can guide and protect those who earnestly seek refuge. The verse can serve as a reminder of the transformative power of seeking refuge in wisdom and the boundless compassion that an enlightened being can offer to a suffering soul.
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