Sloka 18
Sloka 18
Original Text:
साधनान्यत्र चत्वारि कथितानि मनीषिभिः । येषु सत्स्वेव सन्निष्ठा यदभावे न सिध्यति ॥ १८ ॥
Certainly! Here is the detailed analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
sādhanānyatra catvāri kathitāni manīṣibhiḥ। yeṣu satsveva sanniṣṭhā yadabhāve na sidhyati॥ 18॥
- **Translation:**
The wise have declared that there are four means of attainment. Only when these are present does one achieve success; without them, it is not possible.
- **Word Meanings:**
* साधनानि (sādhanāni) - means or disciplines * अत्र (atra) - here * चत्वारि (catvāri) - four * कथितानि (kathitāni) - are declared * मनीषिभिः (manīṣibhiḥ) - by the wise * येषु (yeṣu) - in which * सत्सु (satsv) - being present * एव (eva) - indeed/only * सन्निष्ठा (sanniṣṭhā) - firm establishment or success * यदभावे (yadabhāve) - in the absence of which * न (na) - not * सिध्यति (sidhyati) - achieved or fulfilled
- **Commentary:**
This sloka emphasizes the importance of the four essential means or disciplines necessary for spiritual attainment according to Vedantic philosophy. Each of these sādhanas represents a fundamental component that aids an aspirant on their journey toward liberation or realization of the self.
The term "manīṣibhiḥ" signifies the rishis or seers who possess deep understanding and wisdom. Their declarations are based on profound insight into spiritual practices. This wisdom, embedded in the sloka, serves as guidance for seekers on the path of self-discovery.
The crux of the message is that certain foundational practices or inner conditions must exist for one to achieve the ultimate aim of human life — Moksha. The implication is not only theoretical; it serves as a practical guide ensuring that aspirants foster these qualities within themselves to progress successfully.
Without these sādhanas, one's spiritual efforts may not fructify. Through such discourses, seekers are encouraged to cultivate these disciplines diligently and integrate them into their lives as non-negotiable aspects of their spiritual journey. The specific "catvāri" or four means referred to traditionally in Vedanta are: discrimination between the real and the unreal (viveka), dispassion (vairagya), the six virtues (shama, dama, uparati, titiksha, shraddha, and samadhana), and longing for liberation (mumukshutva).
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