Sloka 54
Sloka 54
Original Text:
वस्तुस्वरूपं स्फुटबोधचक्षुषा स्वेनैव वेद्यं न तु पण्डितेन । चन्द्रस्वरूपं निजचक्षुषैव ज्ञातव्यमन्यैरवगम्यते किम् ॥ ५४ ॥
- Transliteration:
Vastu-svarūpaṃ sphuṭa-bodha-cakṣuṣā svenaiva vedyaṃ na tu paṇḍitena। Candra-svarūpaṃ nija-cakṣuṣaiva jñātavyam anyair avagamyate kim॥ 54॥
- Translation:
The true nature of an object can be known only through one's clear eye of understanding, not by a scholar. Can the true form of the moon be known by others without using one's own eyes?
- Word Meanings:
* vastu - (object, reality) * svarūpam - (true nature, form) * sphuṭa - (clear, distinct) * bodha - (understanding, knowledge) * cakṣuṣā - (eye, vision) * svenaiva - (by one's own, personally) * vedyaṃ - (to be known, understood) * na - (not) * tu - (but) * paṇḍitena - (by a scholar, learned person) * candra - (moon) * svarūpam - (form, nature) * nija - (own, personal) * cakṣuṣa - (eye, vision) * eva - (only) * jñātavyam - (to be known) * anyair - (by others) * avagamyate - (understood, comprehended) * kim - (how, what manner)
- Commentary:
This verse delves into the intimate process of realizing truth, a central tenet in Vedantic philosophy. It highlights the distinction between theoretical knowledge and experiential understanding. The term "sphuṭa-bodha-cakṣuṣā" refers to an inner clarity or intuitive insight that goes beyond learned knowledge, suggesting that true wisdom cannot merely be absorbed from external authorities or scholarly texts, but must be realized through personal experience and perception.
Drawing on the analogy of perceiving the moon, the verse emphasizes that the reality of any object or truth can only be fully comprehended through direct personal experience, symbolized by "nija-cakṣuṣa" or one's own eyes. This suggests a call to individual realization, urging seekers to develop their discernment and self-awareness rather than relying solely on academic learning or second-hand information.
This insight is critical in spiritual pursuits, advocating for a form of knowledge that is authenticated not by intellectual achievements, but by personal realization. Such an approach aligns with the Upanishadic tradition, often encouraging seekers to shift focus from the outer formalities of learning to the inner realm of self-discovery.
Further Readings: