Sloka 43
Sloka 43
Original Text:
मा भैष्ट विद्वंस्तव नास्त्यपायः संसारसिन्धोस्तरणेऽस्त्युपायः । येनैव याता यतयोऽस्य पारं तमेव मार्गं तव निर्दिशामि ॥ ४३ ॥
- Transliteration:
Mā bhaiṣṭa vidvaṃstava nāstyapāyaḥ saṃsārasindhostaraṇe'styupāyaḥ। yenaiva yātā yatayo'sya pāraṃ tameva mārgaṃ tava nirdiśāmi॥ 43॥
- Translation:
Do not fear, O learned one, for you have no danger. There is indeed a way to cross the ocean of worldly existence. I shall direct you towards the same path by which the sages have reached the other shore.
- Word Meanings:
* mā - not * bhaiṣṭa - fear * vidvan - O learned one * tava - for you * na - not * asti - is * apāyaḥ - danger * saṃsāra - worldly existence * sindhoḥ - of the ocean * taraṇe - for crossing * asti - is * upāyaḥ - method/way * yena - by which * eva - indeed * yātāḥ - have gone * yatayaḥ - sages/ascetics * asya - of this * pāram - other shore * tam - that * eva - indeed * mārgaṃ - path * tava - for you * nirdiśāmi - I show / direct
- Commentary:
This sloka offers comfort and reassurance to the earnest seeker of truth, addressing the deep-seated fears and doubts that can arise in the journey of self-discovery and spiritual practice. The use of "vidvan," a term denoting a learned individual, highlights the respect for those engaged in the pursuit of higher knowledge.
The metaphor of the "samsarasindhu," or the ocean of worldly existence, is a classic depiction in Vedantic literature, illustrating the vast and often overwhelming nature of life's challenges and attachments that prevent one from realizing their true Self. However, the sloka reassures that there exists a viable "upaya," or method, to cross this ocean.
Importantly, the sloka emphasizes the path trodden by the "yatayah" (ascetics or sages) who have successfully transcended worldly bounds. It suggests the importance of following the guidance and teachings of those who have already navigated the journey to liberation. Such paths often involve practices such as devotion, meditation, self-discipline, and introspection—key elements in Vedantic sadhana (spiritual practice).
In essence, this verse encourages faith and perseverance, assuring seekers that the journey undertaken is not in vain and that they are not alone, as many have successfully reached spiritual fulfillment by following well-trodden paths.
Further Readings: