Sloka 77
Sloka 77
Original Text:
दोषेण तीव्रो विषयः कृष्णसर्पविषादपि । विषं निहन्ति भोक्तारं द्रष्टारं चक्षुषाप्ययम् ॥ ७७ ॥
- Transliteration:
doṣeṇa tīvro viṣayaḥ kṛṣṇasarpaviṣādapi | viṣaṃ nihanti bhoktāraṃ draṣṭāraṃ cakṣuṣāpyayam || 77 ||
- Translation:
Compared to even the poison of a black snake, the poison of sensual objects is considered more intense. The snake's poison kills only the one who consumes it, but the poison of sense objects destroys even the one who merely sees it.
- Word Meanings:
* doṣeṇa - due to fault * tīvro - more intense * viṣayaḥ - sense objects * kṛṣṇasarpaviṣādapi - than the poison of a black snake * viṣam - poison * nihanti - kills * bhoktāram - the consumer * draṣṭāram - the observer * cakṣuṣā - by seeing * api - even * ayam - this
- Commentary:
This verse emphasizes the destructive potential of sensual attachments and indulgences. In the spiritual traditions, especially those relating to Vedantic philosophies, controlling the senses is crucial for attaining higher states of consciousness. The sloka draws a vivid analogy between the poison of a black snake and the dangers of succumbing to sense objects. While snake venom is lethal only when ingested, the allurement and attachment associated with sensual objects can begin to harm an individual merely through sight or thoughts, leading to desires and disturbances. Thus, this verse cautions against the seductive power of sensory experiences, underscoring the need for vigilance and discipline in one's interactions with the material world. The ancient sages believed that the path to liberation requires overcoming the enticements of the senses, which can otherwise entangle one in endless cycles of desire and suffering.
Further Readings: