Sloka 45
Sloka 45
Original Text:
वेदान्तार्थविचारेण जायते ज्ञानमुत्तमम् । तेनात्यन्तिकसंसारदुःखनाशो भवत्यनु ॥ ४५ ॥
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- **Transliteration**:
Vedāntārthavicāreṇa jāyate jñānamuttamam। Tenātyantikasaṁsāraduḥkhanāśo bhavatyanu॥ 45॥
- **Translation**:
Through the inquiry into the truths of Vedanta, supreme knowledge is born. By that, ultimately, the destruction of the sorrow of worldly existence occurs subsequently.
- **Word Meanings**:
* Vedānta - the end or ultimate purpose of the Vedas, often referring to the Upanishads * Artha - meaning; purpose; essence * Vicāreṇa - through inquiry or analysis * Jāyate - is born; arises * Jñānam - knowledge * Uttamam - supreme; highest * Tena - by that; thereby * Atyantika - ultimate; complete * Saṁsāra - the cycle of birth and death; worldly existence * Duḥkha - sorrow; suffering * Nāśaḥ - destruction; elimination * Bhavati - becomes; happens * Anu - subsequently; consequently
- **Commentary**:
This sloka highlights the transformative power of Vedantic inquiry. In many philosophical traditions, the pursuit of knowledge is seen as a path to liberation. Here, the study and contemplation of Vedantic teachings are emphasized as the means to attain 'uttama jñāna' or supreme knowledge. This is not merely intellectual understanding but a profound realization about the nature of the self and reality. Such knowledge, when realized, leads to the cessation of 'saṁsāra duḥkha'—the inherently painful and transient cycle of worldly existence. Vedanta posits that ignorance of our true nature is the root cause of all suffering. Therefore, 'vicāra' or rigorous inquiry into Vedantic teachings dispels ignorance, leading to the highest realization and, consequently, liberation from suffering. This sloka thus encapsulates a core principle of Vedantic philosophy: knowledge as a liberating force that dissolves the bonds of worldly suffering and leads to ultimate freedom.
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