Sloka 98
Sloka 98
Original Text:
सर्वव्यापृतिकरणं लिङ्गमिदं स्याच्चिदात्मनः पुंसः । वास्यादिकमिव तक्ष्णस्तेनैवात्मा भवत्यसङ्गोऽयम् ॥ १00 ॥
- **Transliteration:**
sarvavyāpṛtikaraṇaṁ liṅgam idaṁ syāc cidātmanaḥ puṁsaḥ | vāsyādikam iva takṣṇas tenaivātmā bhavaty asaṅgo’yam || 100 ||
- **Translation:**
This embodiment, which functions universally, is merely an indicator of the true self, the consciousness of the person, much like tools used by a carpenter. Thus, the self remains unattached.
- **Word Meanings:**
* sarvavyāpṛtikaraṇam - that which is involves in all activity * liṅgam - indicator or mark * idam - this * syāt - is * cidātmanaḥ - of the consciousness-self * puṁsaḥ - of the person * vāsyādikam - like tools * iva - like * takṣṇaḥ - of the carpenter * tena - by that * eva - indeed * ātmā - self * bhavati - becomes * asaṅgaḥ - unattached * ayam - this
- **Commentary:**
This verse from the scriptures highlights the Vedantic principle of distinguishing the self from the body-mind complex. The human embodiment, with its capacity for myriad activities, is likened to the 'liṅgam,' an indicator or mark pointing towards the true inner self, which is consciousness ('cidātmanaḥ'). The comparison to a carpenter's tools ('vāsyādikam iva takṣṇas') emphasizes that just as tools are separate from the artisan and serve only as instruments in crafting, the body and its faculties are simply instruments of the self.
The essence of this teaching is the realization that the 'ātman,' or true self, remains detached ('asaṅgaḥ') from all actions performed by the body-mind, much like a craftsman remains untouched by the actions committed through his tools. This detachment is central to understanding the nature of the self, which, in its purest form, remains untainted and unaffected by physical workings.
By recognizing this distinction, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner freedom and refrain from identifying too closely with the transient elements of human experience. This verse encourages aspirants to look beyond the physical to comprehend that consciousness itself — eternal and profound — is the true essence of being. Such insight holds profound implications for how one lives, interacts, and understands the journey of life.
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