Sloka 78
Sloka 78
Original Text:
विषयाशामहापाशाद्यो विमुक्तः सुदुस्त्यजात् । स एव कल्पते मुक्त्यै नान्यः षट्शास्त्रवेद्यपि ॥ ७८ ॥
- **Transliteration:**
viṣayāśāmahāpāśādyō vimuktaḥ sudustyajāt। sa eva kalpatē muktyai nānyaḥ ṣaṭśāstravēdyapi॥ 78॥
- **Translation:**
The one who is free from the great snare of desires for sense objects, which is extremely difficult to renounce, alone is deemed fit for liberation, not another who may even be well-versed in the six systems of philosophy.
- **Word Meanings:**
* viṣaya - objects of sense * āśā - desire * mahāpāśāt - from the great snare * yaḥ - who * vimuktaḥ - is liberated * sudustyajāt - extremely difficult to renounce * saḥ - he * eva - indeed * kalpate - is deemed fit * muktyai - for liberation * na - not * anyaḥ - another * ṣaṭ - six * śāstra - scriptures or systems of philosophy * veda - knowing or being learned * api - even
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes the significance of detachment from desires as a crucial step towards achieving liberation (moksha). In Vedantic philosophy, while the knowledge of scriptures is valuable, it is not sufficient on its own for true liberation. The real obstacle resides in the deep-seated attachment to worldly pleasures and desires, symbolized here by "viṣayāśāmahāpāśāt," the great snare of desires for sensory experiences. The verse suggests that only those who have successfully freed themselves from this binding force, which is notoriously difficult to relinquish ("sudustyajāt"), qualify for spiritual liberation.
The mention of the "six systems of philosophy" refers to the recognized schools of Hindu philosophical thought, often known as Shad-Darshanas: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. The verse states that mere acquaintance with these intellectual systems is not enough if one remains ensnared by desires. The emphasis is on practical renunciation and experiential wisdom over theoretical knowledge.
This teaching aligns with many spiritual traditions that highlight the importance of internal transformation, detachment from temporal enticements, and the cultivation of an equanimous mind. It calls for sincere introspection and effort to transcend material allurements, advocating for the inner liberation which forms the real gateway to moksha.
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