Sloka 72
Sloka 72
Original Text:
मज्जास्थिमेदःपलरक्तचर्म त्वगाह्वयैर्धातुभिरेभिरन्वितम् । पादोरुवक्षोभुजपृष्ठमस्तकैः अङ्गैरुपाङ्गैरुपयुक्तमेतत् ॥ ७२ ॥
Certainly! Here is the requested analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` majjāsthimedaḥpalaraktacharma tvagāhvayairdhatubhirebhir-anvitam । pādoruvakṣobhujapṛṣṭhamastakaiḥ aṅgairupāṅgairupayuktametat ॥ 72 ॥ ```
- **Translation:**
``` This body, composed of the elements of marrow, bones, fat, blood, skin, having flesh and other such vital elements, is encompassing various limbs such as legs, thighs, chest, arms, back, and head, along with their supplementary parts. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **majjā** - marrow * **asthi** - bone * **medaḥ** - fat * **pala** - flesh * **rakta** - blood * **charma** - skin * **tvagāhvayaiḥ** - having names as skin * **dhātubhiḥ** - with elements * **ebhiḥ** - these * **anvitam** - composed of * **pāda** - legs * **ūru** - thighs * **vakṣaḥ** - chest * **bhuja** - arms * **pṛṣṭha** - back * **mastakaiḥ** - head * **aṅgaiḥ** - with limbs * **upāṅgaiḥ** - subsidiary parts * **upayuktam** - equipped * **etat** - this
- **Commentary:**
The sloka provides a contemplative view on the physical structure of the human body, emphasizing its composite nature by delineating its primary material constituents and physical extensions. It serves as a reminder of the transient and impermanent composition of the physical form, typical of many Sanskrit scriptures that seek to draw the mind towards higher spiritual perspectives. By enumerating the elements such as marrow, bones, and flesh, it highlights the complexity and intricate design within the mundane. This can lead to a deeper self-examination on the nature of human existence, urging one to look beyond the physical realm towards spiritual realities. Such descriptions are often precursors to philosophical discussions on the distinction between the body (the vessel) and the indwelling spirit (self or ātmā), encouraging practitioners to disengage from over-identification with the physical form and to aspire towards realization of the eternal self.
Further Readings: