Sloka 96
Sloka 96
Original Text:
इदं शरीरं शृणु सूक्ष्मसंज्ञितं लिङ्गं त्वपञ्चीकृतसंभवम् । सवासनं कर्मफलानुभावकं स्वाज्ञानतोऽनादिरुपाधिरात्मनः ॥ ९७ ॥
Certainly! Here's a detailed analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` idaṁ śarīraṁ śruṇu sūkṣmasaṁjñitaṁ liṅgaṁ tvapañcīkṛtasaṁbhavam । savāsanaṁ karmaphalānubhāvakaṁ svājñānato'nādirupādhirātmanaḥ ॥ 97 ॥ ```
- **Translation:**
``` Listen, this body is subtly known as the "linga" (subtle body), arising from the unmodified elements. It is the seat of latent impressions and the experiencer of the results of karma, an unintended limitation of the Self due to ignorance, without a beginning. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **idam** - this * **śarīram** - body * **śruṇu** - listen * **sūkṣma** - subtle * **saṁjñitam** - known as * **liṅgam** - subtle body * **tu** - indeed * **apañcīkṛta** - unmodified * **saṁbhavam** - arising from * **savāsanam** - possessing latent impressions * **karmaphala** - the results of actions * **anubhāvakam** - experiencing * **svājñānataḥ** - due to one's own ignorance * **anādi** - without beginning * **upādhiḥ** - limitation or adjunct * **ātmanaḥ** - of the Self
- **Commentary:**
This sloka offers an insight into the nature of the "subtle body" or "linga śarīra" in Vedantic philosophy. Unlike the physical body, which is composed of the five gross elements (space, air, fire, water, and earth) in their compounded state through a process called "pañcīkaraṇa," the subtle body is made from the same elements in their unmodified or pure state (apanchikrita).
The subtle body is said to carry "vāsanās," which are the latent impressions or samskaras accumulated from one's past experiences and actions (karmas). These vāsanās influence the individual's thoughts, desires, and actions in the present life. Because of these vāsanās, the subtle body is the vehicle through which the individual experiences the fruits of karma.
Furthermore, this sloka underscores a fundamental Vedantic teaching: the jīva (individual self) mistakenly identifies with the limitations imposed by the subtle body due to ignorance (avidyā). This ignorance veils the realization of the true nature of the Self, which is limitless and non-dual (Brahman). The subtle body, beginningless and continuous, serves as an upādhi (limiting adjunct) for the Self. Only through spiritual knowledge (jñāna) and self-enquiry can one transcend these limitations and realize the true, formless nature of the Self.
This understanding is essential for seekers on the path of self-realization, reminding them that the true Self is beyond the body-mind complex and not subject to the limitations of karma and vāsanās.
Further Readings: