Sloka 63
Sloka 63
Original Text:
अकृत्वा दृश्यविलयमज्ञात्वा तत्त्वमात्मनः । ब्रह्मशब्दैः कुतो मुक्तिरुक्तिमात्रफलैर्नृणाम् ॥ ६३ ॥
Certainly! Here is the structured analysis of the provided sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
akṛtvā dṛśyavilayam ajñātvā tattvam ātmanaḥ । brahmaśabdaiḥ kuto muktir uktimātraphalair nṛṇām ॥ 63 ॥
- **Translation:**
Without dissolving the perception of the visible world and without realizing the true nature of the self, how can humans attain liberation through mere words of Brahman which yield only verbal results?
- **Word Meanings:**
* akṛtvā - without doing * dṛśya - the visible world, or perceptible phenomena * vilayam - dissolution * ajñātvā - without knowing * tattvam - truth, essence * ātmanaḥ - of the self * brahmaśabdaiḥ - through the words of Brahman * kutaḥ - how, where * muktiḥ - liberation * uktimātra - mere words * phalaiḥ - results * nṛṇām - for humans
- **Commentary:**
This sloka points to a profound philosophical truth within Vedantic thought. It underscores the essential practices leading to liberation or Moksha. The sloka suggests two critical aspects: the dissolution of the perceptible world (dṛśya vilaya) and the realization of the true nature of the self (ātma tattva jñāna). Without engaging in these inner processes, reliance on mere verbal expressions or intellectual understanding of the concept of 'Brahman' is futile in attaining true freedom.
In Vedanta, the world is often termed as 'Maya'—a perceived reality that distracts from the understanding of the self's true nature. The practice of negating this perception requires deep meditation and insight to transcend beyond mere appearances. Furthermore, realization of the self's true essence is central to recognizing the oneness with Brahman, leading to liberation.
The sloka cautions against superficial engagement with spiritual words or texts without experiential understanding. It highlights the importance of direct experience, personal realization, and inner transformation, as opposed to intellectual rhetoric. This insight is fundamental in spiritual practices, where genuine liberation is seen as an experiential and transformational journey, beyond theoretical discussions.
Further Readings: