Sloka 4
Sloka 4
Original Text:
लब्ध्वा कथंचिन्नरजन्म दुर्लभं तत्रापि पुंस्त्वं श्रुतिपारदर्शनम् । यस्त्वात्ममुक्तौ न यतेत मूढधीः स ह्यात्महा स्वं विनिहन्त्यसद्ग्रहात् ॥ ४ ॥
Certainly! Below is the detailed analysis of the given Sanskrit śloka:
- **Transliteration:**
Labdhvā kathaṁcin nara-janma durlabhaṁ Tatrāpi puṁstvaṁ śruti-pāra-darśanam। Yastvātma-muktau na yateta mūḍha-dhīḥ Sa hy-ātmahā svaṁ vinihanty-asadgrahāt || 4 ||
- **Translation:**
Having somehow attained the rare human birth, and especially the masculinity, and insight into the Vedas, he who, dull-witted, does not strive for self-liberation, indeed kills himself due to clinging to the unreal.
- **Word Meanings:**
* **labdhvā** - having obtained * **kathaṁcit** - somehow * **nara-janma** - human birth * **durlabham** - difficult to obtain, rare * **tatra api** - even there * **puṁstvam** - masculinity (also interpreted as strength or capability) * **śruti-pāra-darśanam** - insight into the Vedas (śruti refers to the Vedas, pāra-darśanam means seeing across or comprehending) * **yaḥ** - he who * **tu** - indeed * **ātma-muktau** - for self-liberation * **na yateta** - does not strive * **mūḍha-dhīḥ** - dull-witted, foolish * **saḥ** - he * **hi** - indeed * **ātmahā** - self-killer, one who destroys oneself * **svam** - oneself * **vin hanty** - destroys * **asadgrahāt** - due to attachment to the unreal
- **Commentary:**
This śloka emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of human life, underscoring it as a prime opportunity for spiritual progress. Within the larger context of spiritual teachings, it suggests that attaining a human birth is itself a significant karmic blessing. This life, marked as 'durlabham' or rare, provides the potential and capability ('puṁstvam') for spiritual endeavors, aided by the guidance of sacred texts ('śruti-pāra-darśanam').
The śloka warns against the folly of wasting this opportunity. A 'mūḍha-dhīḥ', or one bereft of discernment, who does not strive ('na yateta') for 'ātma-muktau' (self-liberation), is likened to committing spiritual suicide ('ātmahā'). The root cause of this negligence is ascribed to 'asadgrahāt', which means a strong attachment to worldly illusions (unreal), causing self-harm by not achieving liberation.
In Vedantic philosophy, this attachment to Maya (illusion) is regarded as the principal barrier to moksha or enlightenment. The commentary implores the seeker to awaken ('na yateta') from ignorance and resort to the wisdom provided by the śruti, aiding one in navigating life's spiritual purpose. Consequently, this śloka serves as both a caution and a motivation for serious spiritual aspirants to recognize and utilize the present life for higher pursuit.
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