Sloka 15
Sloka 15
Original Text:
अतो विचारः कर्तव्यो जिज्ञासोरात्मवस्तुनः । समासाद्य दयासिन्धुं गुरुं ब्रह्मविदुत्तमम् ॥ १५ ॥
Certainly! Here is the detailed analysis of the provided sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
ato vicāraḥ kartavyo jijñāsor ātmavastunaḥ । samāsādya dayāsindhuṁ guruṁ brahmaviduttamam ॥ 15 ॥
- **Translation:**
Therefore, one who desires knowledge of the Self must engage in inquiry, having approached the ocean of compassion, the supreme knower of Brahman, as a guru.
- **Word Meanings:**
* ato - therefore * vicāraḥ - inquiry * kartavyaḥ - must be done * jijñāsoḥ - by the seeker (one who is eager to know) * ātma-vastunaḥ - of the essential nature of the Self * samāsādya - having approached * dayā-sindhuṁ - ocean of compassion * guruṁ - the guru (spiritual teacher) * brahma-vid-uttamam - the supreme knower of Brahman
- **Commentary:**
This sloka is an exhortation to those on the spiritual path, emphasizing the importance of inquiry and guidance in the pursuit of Self-realization. The term “jijñāsor” highlights the sincere and intense desire of the seeker to know the fundamental truth about the Self, which is described as "ātma-vastunaḥ," indicating the profound philosophical inquiry regarding one's true nature beyond transient worldly knowledge.
The role of a guru in one's spiritual journey is profoundly underscored here. The guru is depicted as a "dayā-sindhuṁ," an "ocean of compassion," suggesting that the guidance provided by the guru is not only founded on wisdom and knowledge but is also imbued with deep compassion for the seeker's journey. Such a guru is described as the "brahma-vid-uttamam," the supreme knower of Brahman, implying that the guru has attained realization of the ultimate reality and is therefore qualified to lead the disciple on the path to Self-realization.
The emphasis on "vicāraḥ" or inquiry implies that spiritual knowledge is not something to be passively received; it necessitates active and critical thought. The aspirant is encouraged to reason and reflect deeply on the teachings imparted by the guru. This process of inquiry under the guidance of an enlightened teacher is essential for the direct experience of the Self.
Overall, this verse captures the essence of the guru-disciple relationship in Advaita Vedanta, where the aspirant, propelled by a burning desire to know the ultimate reality, finds a compassionate and realized teacher who lights the path with profound wisdom and understanding.
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