Sloka 59
Sloka 59
Original Text:
अविज्ञाते परे तत्त्वे शास्त्राधीतिस्तु निष्फला । विज्ञातेऽपि परे तत्त्वे शास्त्राधीतिस्तु निष्फला ॥ ५९ ॥
Certainly! Here is the requested analysis for the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
avijñāte pare tattve śāstrādhītistu niṣphalā | vijñāte'pi pare tattve śāstrādhītistu niṣphalā || 59 ||
- **Translation:**
"The study of scriptures is futile when the supreme truth is not realized; and even when the supreme truth is realized, the study of scriptures remains futile."
- **Word Meanings:**
* avijñāte - not realized, unknown * pare - supreme, ultimate * tattve - truth, reality * śāstra-adhītih - study of scriptures * tu - indeed, but * niṣphalā - fruitless, futile * vijñāte - realized, known * api - even, also
- **Commentary:**
This sloka addresses the profound limitations of scriptural study concerning the ultimate realization of truth, a concept frequently explored within Vedantic philosophy. It emphasizes that mere intellectual understanding of scriptures without the realization of the supreme reality (Brahman or the ultimate truth) is fruitless. The scriptures point towards a deeper experiential understanding, but they are not the destination themselves. When one has realized the supreme, the scriptures become redundant, as the truth is directly experienced beyond words and intellect.
In Vedantic thought, this highlights the distinction between 'jnana' (knowledge) and 'vijnana' (realization). The aim of scriptural study (śāstra) is to direct the seeker towards self-realization, not to become the end goal. Scriptural knowledge serves as a potential guide or map, but without the journey of direct realization, it remains superficial.
For those who have attained realization, the dependence on scripture ceases because the purpose of the scriptures has been fulfilled — leading one to truth. Thus, this sloka serves as a powerful reminder that while scriptures are valuable as guides, they are not substitutes for personal spiritual experience and transformation.
Further Readings: