Sloka 58
Sloka 58
Original Text:
वाग्वैखरी शब्दझरी शास्त्रव्याख्यानकौशलम् । वैदुष्यं विदुषां तद्वद्भुक्तये न तु मुक्तये ॥ ५८ ॥
Certainly! Here's a detailed analysis of the provided Sanskrit sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
vāgvaīkharī śabdajarī śāstravyākhyānakauśalam | vaiduṣyaṃ viduṣāṃ tadvadbhuktaye na tu muktaye || 58 ||
- **Translation:**
Eloquence in speech, a torrent of words, skill in expounding scripts—such scholarship is indeed meant for worldly enjoyment, not for liberation.
- **Word Meanings:**
* vāgvaīkharī - (eloquent speech; orate speech) * śabdajarī - (torrent of words; cascade of sounds) * śāstravyākhyānakauśalam - (skill in expounding scriptures; insight in interpreting texts) * vaiduṣyam - (learning; scholarship) * viduṣām - (of the learned; of the scholars) * tadvad - (likewise; similarly) * bhuktaye - (for enjoyment; for worldly gain) * na - (not) * tu - (but) * muktaye - (for liberation; for spiritual release)
- **Commentary:**
This sloka poignantly emphasizes the distinction between intellectual prowess and spiritual realization. It underscores a fundamental principle in Vedantic philosophy—that mere erudition and verbal dexterity in scriptures do not necessarily lead to liberation (moksha). The ability to articulate eloquently, engage in profound discussions, and possess a vast repository of scriptural knowledge might serve well for acquiring fame, respect, and worldly benefits (bhukti). However, the path to moksha, or liberation, transcends intellectual understanding and requires an inner transformation marked by the realization of one's true nature.
This insight aligns with many teachings found in Vedantic texts, where intellectual exercises (jnana) are regarded as preliminary steps that must eventually be grounded in direct experience and inner realization (vijnana). The verse serves as a reminder to scholars and spiritual aspirants to look beyond the allure of mere scholarly pursuits and to strive for deeper practices that foster genuine spiritual growth and freedom. The essence of Vedanta encourages a balance where knowledge serves as the stepping stone towards self-unveiling rather than an end in itself.
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