Sloka 79
Sloka 79
Original Text:
आपातवैराग्यवतो मुमुक्षून् भवाब्धिपारं प्रतियातुमुद्यतान् । आशाग्रहो मज्जयतेऽन्तराले निगृह्य कण्ठे विनिवर्त्य वेगात् ॥ ७९ ॥
- Transliteration:
Āpātavairāgyavato mumukṣūn bhavābdhipāraṁ pratiyātumudyatān। āśāgraho majjayate'ntarāle nigṛhya kaṇṭhe vinivartya vegāt॥ 79॥
- Translation:
For those who are temporarily dispassionate and desirous of liberation, attempting to cross the ocean of worldly existence, the alligator of desire grabs them by the neck and swiftly pulls them back into the depths of the world.
- Word Meanings:
* āpātavairāgyavataḥ - one with temporary dispassion * mumukṣūn - those desirous of liberation * bhava - worldly existence * abdhi - ocean * pāram - the other shore * pratiyātum - to reach * udyatān - those who endeavor * āśā - desire * grahaḥ - alligator * majjayate - immerses, drowns * antarāle - in the midst * nigṛhya - grabbing * kaṇṭhe - by the neck * vinivartya - pulling back * vegāt - with force, speed
- Commentary:
This verse poetically illustrates the plight of spiritual aspirants who possess only a superficial or temporary detachment from worldly desires. Such individuals, referred to as 'āpātavairāgyavataḥ', may initially set out with enthusiasm towards spiritual liberation or ‘moksha’ (mumukṣūn) with the intention of transcending the ocean of worldly life (bhavābdhi). However, they remain vulnerable to the persistent allure of unfulfilled desires, symbolized here as an ‘āśāgrahaḥ’ or the alligator of desire. This metaphor underscores the compelling nature of desires that can abruptly seize and pull one back into the worldly existence just when one is attempting to move forward.
The verse serves as a solemn reminder about the nature of desire and detachment. Genuine detachment (vairagya) is a profound and enduring disposition towards non-attachment from worldly pleasures and desires. Temporary detachment lacks the necessary depth and foresight, causing individuals to succumb again to desires. The analogy with an alligator is significant, as it depicts how latent desires can suddenly and viciously overcome even those on the path of spiritual progress.
Consequently, the sloka highlights the importance of cultivating deep and sincere dispassion, coupled with vigilance against subtle desires. The spiritual path is challenging with potential setbacks, and this requires consistent effort, awareness, and inner strength to overcome the hindrances symbolized by the alligator of desire.
Further Readings: