Sloka 17
Sloka 17
Original Text:
विवेकिनो विरक्तस्य शमादिगुणशालिनः । मुमुक्षोरेव हि ब्रह्मजिज्ञासायोग्यता मता ॥ १७ ॥
Certainly! Here's the detailed analysis of the provided verse:
- **Transliteration:**
``` vivekino viraktasya śamādi-guṇa-śālinaḥ | mumukṣoreva hi brahmajijñāsāyogyatā matā || 17 || ```
- **Translation:**
"The aptitude for inquiry into Brahman is indeed considered to be the true qualification of one who is discerning, dispassionate, endowed with the qualities of calmness and others, and desirous of liberation."
- **Word Meanings:**
* **vivekinaḥ** - of the discerning, one who has discrimination * **viraktasya** - of the dispassionate, one who has detachment * **śama-ādi-guṇa-śālinaḥ** - endowed with qualities like calmness, etc. * **mumukṣoḥ** - desirous of liberation * **eva** - indeed * **hi** - because * **brahmajijñāsā** - inquiry into Brahman * **yogyatā** - qualification, eligibility * **matā** - considered, thought
- **Commentary:**
This verse underscores the essential qualifications required for a seeker who wishes to inquire into Brahman, the ultimate reality or truth. The verse highlights four principal qualities:
1. **Viveka (Discernment)**: The ability to distinguish between the transient and the permanent, the real and the unreal. A viveki is someone who perceives the ultimate truth beyond the ephemeral world.
2. **Vairagya (Dispassion)**: A state of detachment from material pleasures and desires. It is an essential quality to maintain focus on spiritual goals without being distracted by worldly attachments.
3. **Śamādi-Guṇas (Qualities like Calmness, etc.)**: This refers to the shat-sampat, the six virtues necessary for a spiritual aspirant, typically including śama (calmness of mind), dama (control of the senses), uparati (renunciation), titiksha (forbearance), śraddha (faith), and samādhāna (concentration).
4. **Mumukṣutva (Desire for Liberation)**: A strong, sincere desire to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Without this intense longing, other efforts may wane over time.
The verse is a succinct guide for aspirants on the spiritual path, suggesting that merely intellectual or ritualistic pursuits without these core qualities may not lead to true understanding or realization of Brahman. It invites aspirants to cultivate these virtues to qualify themselves for a deep and transformative inquiry into the ultimate truth.
Further Readings: