Sloka 40
Sloka 40
Original Text:
कथं तरेयं भवसिन्धुमेतं का वा गतिर्मे कतमोऽस्त्युपायः । जाने न किञ्ज्चित्कृपयाव मां प्रभो संसारदुःखक्षतिमातनुष्व ॥ ४0 ॥
Certainly! Here is the detailed analysis of the given Sanskrit sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` kathaṁ tareyaṁ bhavasindhum etaṁ kā vā gatir me katamo'sty upāyaḥ। jāne na kiñjcit kṛpayāva māṁ prabho saṁsāra-duḥkha-kṣatim ātanuṣva ॥ 40 ॥ ```
- **Translation:**
``` How can I cross this ocean of worldly existence? What path is there for me, and which means are available? I know nothing, O Lord, out of mercy, reduce the sufferings of this samsara for me. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* कथम् (katham) - how * तरेयम् (tareyam) - can I cross * भवसिन्धुम् (bhavasindhum) - the ocean of worldly existence * एतम् (etam) - this * का (kā) - what * वा (vā) - or * गतिः (gatiḥ) - path * मे (me) - for me * कतमः (katamaḥ) - which * अस्ति (asti) - is there * उपायः (upāyaḥ) - means * जाने (jāne) - I know * न (na) - not * किञ्चित् (kiñcit) - anything * कृपया (kṛpayā) - with compassion * आव (āva) - reduce * मां (māṁ) - me * प्रभो (prabho) - O Lord * संसार (saṁsāra) - worldly existence * दुःख (duḥkha) - suffering * क्षतिम् (kṣatim) - reduction * आतनुष्व (ātanuṣva) - undertake
- **Commentary:**
``` This sloka reflects the deep existential inquiry and plea of a seeker who finds himself in the middle of the vast ocean of samsara, the cycle of birth and death characterized by suffering. The seeker is overwhelmed by the challenges and trials of worldly existence and feels at a loss regarding the path and means to transcend it. Seeking divine intervention, he turns to the Lord, recognizing his own limitations and helplessness.
The act of questioning "How can I cross this ocean?" points to the recognition of samsara as an overwhelming and difficult-to-cross ocean. This metaphor is common in spiritual literature to indicate the vastness and depth of worldly entanglements.
The plea for guidance — "What path is there for me, and which means are available?" — reflects a common spiritual dilemma, emphasizing the importance of right guidance and means (upāya) in spiritual practice. It highlights the necessity of surrendering to a higher power when human intellect and efforts fall short.
The surrender to the Divine — "I know nothing, O Lord" — is an expression of humility and acknowledgment of one's limited understanding. This humility is crucial in spiritual growth, as it opens the door to grace and divine assistance.
The request for compassion and help to reduce the sufferings of samsara reinforces the benevolent role of the Divine as a refuge and savior. It also emphasizes the transformative power of divine grace in alleviating suffering and leading one towards liberation. ```
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