Sloka 113
Sloka 113
Original Text:
अभावना वा विपरीतभावना असंभावना विप्रतिपत्तिरस्याः । संसर्गयुक्तं न विमुञ्चति ध्रुवं विक्षेपशक्तिः क्षपयत्यजस्रम् ॥ ११५ ॥
Certainly! Let's explore the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
abhāvanā vā viparītabhāvanā asaṃbhāvanā vipratipattirasyāḥ। saṃsargayuktaṃ na vimuñcati dhruvaṃ vikṣepaśaktiḥ kṣapayatyajasram॥ 115॥
- **Translation:**
"Lack of contemplation, contrary contemplation, disbelief, and misunderstanding—these, when coupled with attachment, perpetually disturb with their power of distraction, never releasing one's consciousness."
- **Word Meanings:**
* abhāvanā - lack of contemplation, absence of meditation * viparītabhāvanā - contrary contemplation, wrong understanding * asaṃbhāvanā - disbelief, incredulity * vipratipattiḥ - misunderstanding, confusion * asyāḥ - of this, of her (referring to maya or ignorance) * saṃsargayuktam - coupled with attachment, in association with traits * na - not * vimuñcati - releases, lets go * dhruvam - certainly, perpetually * vikṣepaśaktiḥ - power of distraction, intellectual disturbance * kṣapayati - wears out, exhausts * ajasram - continuously, without cessation
- **Commentary:**
This sloka speaks to the obstacles that the human mind faces on the path of spiritual enlightenment, drawing from Vedantic philosophy which often elucidates the nature of ignorance (maya) and the mind's tendencies. In this context, "abhāvanā," or the lack of contemplation, signifies an absence in cultivating awareness of the true Self, indicating negligence towards essential spiritual practices such as meditation and self-reflection. "Viparītabhāvanā," or contrary contemplation, refers to entertaining thoughts or understandings that are opposite to spiritual truths, while "asaṃbhāvanā," disbelief in one's potential for spiritual realization, acts as a formidable barrier to progress.
These obstacles become further compounded when there is "saṃsargayuktam," an association or attachment to worldly desires and distractions. Each of these tendencies, characterized by avidyā or ignorance, adds to the "vikṣepaśaktiḥ," the power of distraction, which continually diverts the mind and exhausts one's energy. This results in an inability to release one's consciousness and focus from these worldly distractions, hence binding the individual to the cycle of confusion and misperception. The purpose of interpreting such a sloka is not merely academic but practical, urging aspirants to recognize these tendencies within themselves and work towards their dissolution through sustained practice, discernment, and inner discipline.
This verse underscores the critical need for consistent, focused meditation and aligns with the larger teachings of Vedanta that emphasize liberation through self-awareness and overcoming ignorance.
Further Readings: