Sloka 33
Sloka 33
Original Text:
श्रोत्रियोऽवृजिनोऽकामहतो यो ब्रह्मवित्तमः । ब्रह्मण्युपरतः शान्तो निरिन्धन इवानलः अहेतुकदयासिन्धुर्बन्धुरानमतां सताम् ॥ ३३ ॥
- Transliteration:
śrotriyo'vṛjino'kāma-hato yo brahma-vit-tamaḥ | brahmaṇy-uparataḥ śānto nirindhana ivānalaḥ ahetuka-dayā-sindhur bandhura-anamatāṁ satām || 33 ||
- Translation:
One who is a true knower of the Vedas, free from sin, untouched by desires, and the greatest knower of Brahman. He is withdrawn into Brahman, tranquil, like a fire that has no fuel, an ocean of causeless compassion, and a friend to those virtuous ones who have surrendered.
- Word Meanings:
* śrotriyaḥ - a knower of the Vedas * avṛjinaḥ - free from sin * akāma-hataḥ - untouched by desires * yaḥ - who * brahma-vit-tamaḥ - the greatest knower of Brahman * brahmaṇi - in Brahman * uparataḥ - withdrawn * śāntaḥ - tranquil * nirindhanaḥ - without fuel * iva - like * analaḥ - fire * ahetuka - causeless * dayā-sindhuḥ - ocean of compassion * bandhuh - friend * anamatām - to those who have surrendered * satām - of the virtuous
- Commentary:
This verse delineates the qualities of an ideal realized soul, often revered as a spiritual guide or teacher. The term 'śrotriyaḥ' highlights the importance of being well-versed in Vedic knowledge, emphasizing that theoretical understanding forms a crucial groundwork for spiritual advancement. Furthermore, 'avṛjina' and 'akāma-hata' illustrate the purity and self-mastery required of such a sage — free from the bondage of sin and desires.
The phrase 'brahma-vit-tamaḥ' distinguishes the ultimate knower of Brahman, suggesting a deep experiential realization that transcends intellectual comprehension. Being 'brahmaṇy-uparataḥ' implies a state of continuous absorption in the reality of Brahman, achieved by withdrawing attention from the transient world. This internalized focus leads to 'śānta,' an unshakeable peace that mirrors a fire ('analaḥ') devoid of fuel ('nirindhanaḥ'), symbolizing the ceasing of worldly attachments and passions.
The verse portrays such a sage as 'ahetuka-dayā-sindhuḥ,' a boundless wellspring of unconditional love and compassion, not bound by any cause or expectation. This intrinsic benevolence naturally extends to all beings, forming an unassuming bond ('bandhuh') especially with 'anamatām satām,' referring to those virtuous individuals who have humbly submitted to the greater cosmic order.
Collectively, the sloka captures the essence of an enlightened being, serving as an inspirational template for aspirants on the path of spiritual growth and self-realization.
Further Readings: