Sloka 80
Sloka 80
Original Text:
विषयाख्यग्रहो येन सुविरक्त्यसिना हतः । स गच्छति भवाम्भोधेः पारं प्रत्यूहवर्जितः ॥ ८0 ॥
- Transliteration:
viṣayākhyagraho yena suviraktyasinā hataḥ । sa gacchati bhavāmbhodheḥ pāraṁ pratyūhavarjitaḥ ॥ 80 ॥
- Translation:
The one who has slain the crocodile called sense-objects with the sword of firm dispassion reaches the other shore of the ocean of worldly existence, free from obstructions.
- Word Meanings:
* viṣaya - sense-objects * ākhyagrahaḥ - called a crocodile * yena - by whom * su-viraktyā - with firm dispassion * asinā - with the sword * hataḥ - slain * saḥ - he * gacchati - goes or reaches * bhava-ambhodheḥ - of the ocean of worldly existence (samsara) * pāram - other shore * pratyūha - obstructions * varjitaḥ - devoid of, free from
- Commentary:
This verse uses the metaphor of a crocodile and a sword to illustrate the existential struggle and the means to transcend it. Sense-objects, which can captivate and bind the soul, are compared to a crocodile lying in wait to seize anyone who ventures near. The crocodile represents the formidable nature of attachments and desires, which can easily drag one deeper into the ocean of samsara, the cycle of birth and death.
The 'sword of firm dispassion' symbolizes the power of vairagya or detachment. Dispassion is portrayed as a sharp and decisive tool necessary to conquer the otherwise overwhelming pull of the senses. Through dispassion, an aspirant can effectively 'slay' the influence of sensory cravings, which leads to liberation.
The sloka emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resolve. Only with firm dispassion can one traverse the vast and turbulent ocean of worldly existence to reach its other shore, which symbolizes liberation (moksha). Moreover, when the aspirant is guided by true dispassion, the journey becomes free from obstructions, as distractions and desires no longer impede progress.
This teaching is a fundamental tenet of Vedantic philosophy, highlighting the necessity of renunciation and self-control as essential practices in the pursuit of spiritual liberation. It's a call for introspection and disciplined action, anchoring one's efforts in inner spiritual goals rather than external achievements and pleasures.
Further Readings: