Sloka 132
Sloka 132
Original Text:
न जायते नो म्रियते न वर्धते न क्षीयते नो विकरोति नित्यः । विलीयमानेऽपि वपुष्यमुष्मिन् न लीयते कुम्भ इवाम्बरं स्वयम् ॥ १३४ ॥
- Transliteration:
na jāyate no mriyate na vardhate na kṣīyate no vikaroti nityaḥ । vilīyamāne'pi vapuṣyamuṣmin na līyate kumbha ivāmbaram svayam ॥ 134 ॥
- Translation:
It is neither born, nor does it die, nor does it grow; it neither decreases nor undergoes any change, for it is eternal. Even when the body dissolves, it does not disintegrate, just as space remains intact despite the destruction of a pot.
- Word Meanings:
* na - not * jāyate - is born * no - not * mriyate - dies * na - not * vardhate - grows * na - not * kṣīyate - diminishes * no - not * vikaroti - undergoes change * nityaḥ - eternal * vilīyamāne - dissolving * api - even * vapuṣi - body * amuṣmin - this * na - not * līyate - dissolves * kumbha - pot * iva - like * ambaram - space * svayam - itself
- Commentary:
This verse explores the concept of the eternal Self, pointing out its permanence and unchangeable nature, akin to the space that remains unaffected by the external changes of the containing vessel. It is a deep reflection found frequently in Vedantic philosophy, emphasizing that the true Self (Ātman or Brahman) transcends all physical transformations like birth, growth, decay, and death. The analogy of space and a pot is traditionally used to illustrate that the Self is beyond physical attributes. Just as the destruction of a pot does not impinge upon the infinitude of space, the dissolution of the body has no effect on the eternal Self. In Vedantic terms, it reiterates the philosophy that the Self is immutable and cannot be disturbed by temporal changes, providing solace against the transient experiences of life and death. This sloka invites the seeker to transcend identification with the body and recognize the indwelling, undying spirit that is their true essence.
Further Readings: