Sloka 7
Sloka 7
Original Text:
अमृतत्वस्य नाशास्ति वित्तेनेत्येव हि श्रुतिः । ब्रवीति कर्मणो मुक्तेरहेतुत्वं स्फुटं यतः ॥ ७ ॥
- **Transliteration:**
Amṛtatvasya nāśāsti vittenety-eva hi śrutiḥ। bravīti karmaṇo mukter-ahetutvaṁ sphuṭaṁ yataḥ॥ 7॥
- **Translation:**
"Indeed, the scripture categorically declares that immortality cannot be attained through wealth. It clearly states that actions are not the cause of liberation."
- **Word Meanings:**
* अमृतत्वस्य (amṛtatvasya) - of immortality * न (na) - not * आशा (āśā) - hope/existence * अस्ति (asti) - is * वित्तेन (vittena) - through wealth * इति (iti) - thus * एव (eva) - indeed * हि (hi) - because * श्रुतिः (śrutiḥ) - the scripture * ब्रवीति (bravīti) - declares * कर्मणः (karmaṇaḥ) - of actions * मुक्तेः (mukteḥ) - of liberation * अहेतुत्वं (ahetutvaṁ) - causelessness * स्फुटं (sphuṭaṁ) - clearly * यतः (yataḥ) - as
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes a fundamental teaching of Vedanta, one that distinguishes the scriptural pursuit of liberation from conventional societal values like wealth and actions. In Vedantic philosophy, liberation or moksha is the ultimate goal of human life, and it is distinctly different from mere material success or accumulation of wealth. The word "amṛtatvasya" suggests eternal life or immortality, often interpreted as liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which is a state beyond worldly attainments.
The verse explicitly mentions that wealth (vittena) does not lead to this higher state, thereby refuting the notion that material success equates to spiritual progress. This underscores a critical aspect of spiritual practice: the detachment from material desires as a means to realize one's true nature.
Moreover, the phrase “karmaṇo mukter ahetutvaṁ” signifies that actions alone are not the direct cause of liberation. While actions (karma) are essential in leading a disciplined and structured life, which may prepare a person to undertake spiritual practices like meditation and self-inquiry, they are not sufficient in and of themselves for liberation. True liberation is achieved through knowledge (jnana) and the realization of the self beyond the body and mind.
Hence, the verse advises practitioners to look beyond material acquisitions and seek deeper wisdom for achieving the ultimate goal of liberation. This passage is a reminder of the value and importance of inner transformation and knowledge over mere external accomplishments.
Further Readings: