Sloka 26
Sloka 26
Original Text:
सर्वदा स्थापनं बुद्धेः शुद्धे ब्रह्मणि सर्वदा । तत्समाधानमित्युक्तं न तु चित्तस्य लालनम् ॥ २६ ॥
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- **Transliteration:**
sarvadā sthāpanaṁ buddheḥ śuddhe brahmaṇi sarvadā | tatsamādhānamityuktaṁ na tu cittasya lālanam || 26 ||
- **Translation:**
Always establishing the intellect in the pure Brahman, continuously, is referred to as true concentration, and not indulging the mind or pampering it.
- **Word Meanings:**
* सर्वदा (sarvadā) - always * स्थापनम् (sthāpanam) - establishing * बुद्धेः (buddheḥ) - of the intellect * शुद्धे (śuddhe) - pure * ब्रह्मणि (brahmaṇi) - in Brahman * तत् (tat) - that * समाधनम् (samādhānam) - concentration, absorption * इति (iti) - thus * उक्तम् (uktam) - is said * न (na) - not * तु (tu) - but * चित्तस्य (cittasya) - of the mind * लालनम् (lālanam) - pampering, indulgence
- **Commentary:**
This sloka, likely derived from a Vedantic text, addresses the importance of directing the intellect towards Brahman—the ultimate reality or consciousness—in a sustained manner. In Vedantic philosophy, Brahman is considered the ultimate truth, and the intellect is seen as a vehicle for realizing this truth.
The sloka emphasizes 'tatsamādhānam', referring to a state of concentration where one's intellect is consistently aligned with the essence of Brahman. This means that enlightenment or realization is not just an occasional experience but requires ongoing stability and focus of the intellect.
The verse cautions against confusing true concentration ('samādhānam') with merely indulging the mind ('cittasya lālanam'), which implies being swept away by fleeting thoughts or sensuous distractions. The mind tends to wander and indulge in desires and emotions, which are ephemeral and divert one from the path of truth. 'Lālanam' here suggests the tendency of the mind to slip into comfort zones of thought patterns or pleasure that may seem appealing but are ultimately transient and un-illuminating.
The emphasis is thus on discipline and continuous effort in the path to self-realization, ensuring the intellect is perpetually oriented towards the boundless purity of Brahman. This teaching underscores a common Vedantic tenet: the importance of undistracted and steadfast practice in the spiritual journey towards understanding and becoming one with the divine reality.
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