Sloka 91
Sloka 91
Original Text:
स्थूलस्य संभवजरामरणानि धर्माः स्थौल्यादयो बहुविधाः शिशुताद्यवस्थाः । वर्णाश्रमादिनियमा बहुधामयाः स्युः पूजावमानबहुमानमुखा विशेषाः ॥ ९१ ॥
Certainly! Here's a detailed breakdown for the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` sthūlasya saṁbhavajarāmaraṇāni dharmāḥ sthaulyādayo bahuvidhāḥ śiśutādyavasthāḥ | varṇāśramādiniyamā bahudhāmayāḥ syuḥ pūjāvamāna-bahumāna-mukhā viśeṣāḥ || 91 || ```
- **Translation:**
The bodily existence is subject to birth, old age, and death. Various conditions such as childhood, etc., arise from physicality. Relative to the roles in society like the different stages and castes, numerous rules are observed. The distinctions rooted in respect, insult, and honor are among many.
- **Word Meanings:**
* **sthūlasya** - of the gross body * **saṁbhava** - birth * **jarā** - old age * **maraṇāni** - death * **dharmāḥ** - characteristics, duties * **sthaulya-ādayaḥ** - physicality and the like * **bahuvidhāḥ** - various * **śiśutā-ādi-avasthāḥ** - conditions such as childhood and so on * **varṇa-āśrama-ādi** - pertaining to the classes and stages of life * **niyamāḥ** - regulations, rules * **bahudhā** - manifold, numerous * **amayaḥ** - relative to * **syuḥ** - are * **pūjā** - respect * **avamāna** - insult * **bahumāna** - honor * **mukhāḥ** - beginnings, arising from * **viśeṣāḥ** - distinctions, specific differences
- **Commentary:**
This verse reflects on the transient nature of the physical existence and the various social frameworks that govern human life. The gross body (sthūlasya) is described as being bound by the inevitable cycle of birth, aging, and death, phenomena that are integral aspects of this physical realm. Each stage of life, from childhood through old age, introduces its own set of conditions and experiences, further emphasizing the impermanence and change inherent in bodily existence.
The mention of **varṇa-āśrama**, referring to the socio-religious order, highlights the significance of adhering to one's roles and duties based on class and stage of life. This organizational framework aims to provide structure and meaning within the impermanent nature of the material world.
The verse then alludes to the subjective experiences of respect, insult, and honor, emphasizing the social nuances and expectations that accompany these transient states. These distinctions arise due to the interaction of the body with external society and reveal how perception and societal values impact one's experiences.
The verse serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of understanding one's purpose beyond the physical self and societal constraints. It subtly encourages reflection on deeper truths and an exploration of one's dharma, or duty, beyond the physical and social limitations. This perspective aligns with Vedantic beliefs that the ultimate goal is to transcend the physical realm and realize the eternal self or Ātman.
Further Readings: