Sloka 70
Sloka 70
Original Text:
ततः श्रुतिस्तन्मननं सतत्त्व ध्यानं चिरं नित्यनिरन्तरं मुनेः । ततोऽविकल्पं परमेत्य विद्वान् इहैव निर्वाणसुखं समृच्छति ॥ ७0 ॥
- Transliteration:
tataḥ śrutis tanmananaṃ satattva dhyānaṃ ciraṃ nitya-nirantaraṃ muneḥ। tato'vikalpaṃ param etya vidvān ihaiva nirvāṇa-sukhaṃ samṛcchati ॥ 70 ॥
- Translation:
Thereafter, the seeker who engages continuously and deeply in listening, reflection, and profound meditation on the ultimate reality attains a state of perfect non-duality. Such a wise person experiences the bliss of liberation here and now.
- Word Meanings:
* tataḥ - thereafter * śrutiḥ - listening (to sacred teachings) * tanmananaṃ - reflection upon that * satattva - of the ultimate reality * dhyānaṃ - meditation * ciraṃ - for a long time * nitya-nirantaram - continuously and uninterruptedly * muneḥ - of the sage (the seeker) * tataḥ - then * avikalpaṃ - non-dual * param - supreme * etya - attaining * vidvān - the wise person * ihaiva - here itself * nirvāṇa-sukhaṃ - the bliss of liberation * samṛcchati - attains or achieves
- Commentary:
This sloka encapsulates the essence of Vedantic practice by outlining the sequential path to liberation. Initially, the seeker (muni) begins with 'śruti' or listening to scriptures and teachings from knowledgeable sources. This listening is not a mere auditory exercise but constitutes the foundational understanding which must then be deeply reflected upon ('tanmananam'). The reflection is aimed at internalizing the truth of one's own existence and the nature of ultimate reality ('satattva'), moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to a profound realization.
Continuous and uninterrupted meditation ('dhyanam') on this truth is emphasized next. It is through this steadfast practice that one transcends dualistic perceptions, reaching a state of 'avikalpa'—non-dual consciousness, where the distinctions between the self and the larger reality dissolve. The term 'param' signifies the attainment of the highest state, culminating in the bliss of liberation ('nirvāṇa-sukhaṃ').
Importantly, the sloka highlights the realization of this bliss 'ihaiva,' meaning within one's current life, suggesting that liberation is not an abstract, post-mortem reward, but a tangible experience accessible through dedicated practice. Such wisdom (vidvān), arising from the amalgamation of listening, reflection, and meditation, allows one to live in the eternal joy of enlightenment here and now, affirming the non-difference between the individual and the cosmic reality. This verse thus serves as a guide and an inspiration for aspirants on the spiritual path.
Further Readings: