Sloka 37
Sloka 37
Original Text:
शान्ता महान्तो निवसन्ति सन्तो वसन्तवल्लोकहितं चरन्तः । तीर्णाः स्वयं भीमभवार्णवं जनान् अहेतुनान् यानपि तारयन्तः ॥ ३७ ॥
Certainly! Here is the requested analysis of the sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
Śāntā mahānto nivasanti santo Vasantavallokahitaṃ carantaḥ। Tīrṇāḥ svayaṃ bhīmabhavārṇavaṃ janān Ahetunān yānapi tārayantaḥ॥ 37॥
- **Translation:**
Peaceful and great souls reside in the world, moving about like the spring, promoting the welfare of all. Having themselves crossed the formidable ocean of worldly existence, they, without any motive, help others cross as well.
- **Word Meanings:**
* शान्ताः (śāntāḥ) - peaceful, calm * महान्तः (mahāntaḥ) - great souls * निवसन्ति (nivasanti) - reside * सन्तः (santaḥ) - the virtuous, saints * वसन्तवत् (vasantavat) - like the spring * लोकहितम् (lokahitam) - the welfare of the world * चरन्तः (carantaḥ) - acting, moving * तीर्णाः (tīrṇāḥ) - having crossed * स्वयं (svayaṃ) - themselves * भीम (bhīma) - formidable, terrifying * भव-अर्णवम् (bhavārṇavam) - ocean of worldly existence * जनान् (janān) - people * अहेतुनान् (ahetunān) - without any motive or reason * यान् (yān) - whom * अपि (api) - even * तारयन्तः (tārayantaḥ) - helping them cross
- **Commentary:**
This sloka beautifully captures the essence of saintly individuals in the world. The imagery of spring (vasanta) is used to convey their benevolent and rejuvenating presence. Just as spring naturally nourishes and revitalizes the world without any expectation, these great souls (mahāntaḥ) engage in activities meant to uplift and benefit society. Their actions stem not from selfish desires but from a deep-seated compassion for all living beings.
The mention of the "bhīmabhavārṇavam" or the formidable ocean of mundane existence highlights the intense struggles and challenges inherent in worldly life. The saints, having navigated and transcended these challenges themselves, become a beacon of hope and guidance to others who are still caught in the tumultuous currents of samsāra (the cycle of birth and death).
The phrase "ahetunān tārayantaḥ" emphasizes the unconditional nature of their help. They do not seek recognition, reward, or any form of compensation. This selfless service is a hallmark of their greatness and is rooted in the realization of the interconnectedness of all beings. In essence, such saintly individuals embody the highest ideals of dharma, compassion, and wisdom, acting continually for the greater good of the universe.
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