Sloka 69
Sloka 69
Original Text:
मोक्षस्य हेतुः प्रथमो निगद्यते वैराग्यमत्यन्तमनित्यवस्तुषु । ततः शमश्चापि दमस्तितिक्षा न्यासः प्रसक्ताखिलकर्मणां भृशम् ॥ ६९ ॥
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- **Transliteration:**
Mokṣasya hetuḥ prathamo nigadyate vairāgyamatyantamanityavastuṣu | tataḥ śamaścāpi damastitikṣā nyāsaḥ prasaktākhilakarmaṇāṁ bhṛśam || 69 ||
- **Translation:**
The primary cause of liberation is said to be complete dispassion towards all transient things. Thereafter, come tranquility, control of the senses, forbearance, and complete renunciation of all bound activities.
- **Word Meanings:**
* Mokṣasya - of liberation * Hetuḥ - cause * Prathamaḥ - primary * Nigadyate - is said * Vairāgyam - dispassion * Atyantam - extreme or complete * Anitya - impermanent * Vastuṣu - towards things * Tataḥ - thereafter * Śamaḥ - tranquility * Ca - and * Api - also * Damaḥ - control of the senses * Titikṣā - forbearance * Nyāsaḥ - renunciation * Prasakta - involved or attached * Akhila - all * Karmaṇām - of activities * Bhṛśam - abundantly or completely
- **Commentary:**
This sloka highlights the essential requisites for achieving moksha, or liberation, in Vedantic philosophy. The sequence begins with vairāgya, or dispassion, which is emphasized as the most fundamental prerequisite. This dispassion concerns the realization of the impermanent nature of worldly objects and attachments. It is through this understanding and inward withdrawal that one can cultivate inner peace (śama), the control of senses (dama), and endurance of life's dualities and challenges (titikṣā).
The sloka stresses that true renunciation (nyāsa) is not merely about external renunciation of actions but involves a profound internal detachment from the fruits of all actions, thus leading to liberation. This internal transformation, while maintaining outward composure and control, aligns with the Vedantic view that liberation is a state of being that arises from deep understanding and the cultivation of specific attributes rather than mere ritualistic practices.
By presenting these sequential qualities, the text essentially maps a pathway toward spiritual freedom, suggesting practical steps towards achieving the ultimate goal of human life as portrayed in Hindu philosophy. Each attribute builds upon the previous, guiding the aspirant from external control toward ultimate internal renunciation and peace.
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