Sloka 83
Sloka 83
Original Text:
अनुक्षणं यत्परिहृत्य कृत्यं अनाद्यविद्याकृतबन्धमोक्षणम् । देहः परार्थोऽयममुष्य पोषणे यः सज्जते स स्वमनेन हन्ति ॥ ८३ ॥
- Transliteration:
Anukṣaṇaṃ yatparihṛtya kṛtyaṃ anādyavidyākṛtabandhamokṣaṇam। dehaḥ parārtho'yamamuṣya poṣaṇe yaḥ sajjate sa svamanena hanti॥ 83॥
- Translation:
One who, by neglecting the essential duty every moment, remains bound due to ignorance without beginning, causes the destruction of his own self by becoming attached to the nourishment of this body, which is meant for others.
- Word Meanings:
* Anukṣaṇam - every moment * Yat - that which * Parihṛtya - having neglected * Kṛtyam - duty, essential task * Anādi - beginningless * Avidyā - ignorance * Kṛta - caused * Bandha - bondage * Mokṣaṇam - liberation * Dehaḥ - body * Parārthaḥ - for others' sake * Ayam - this * Amuṣya - of this * Poṣaṇe - in nourishing * Yaḥ - who * Sajjate - becomes attached * Saḥ - he * Svam - his own * Anena - by this * Hanti - destroys
- Commentary:
This verse emphasizes the folly of neglecting one's spiritual practices and responsibilities due to excessive attachment to the body. The body, described here as "for others" (parārtha), underlines the idea that it should be utilized as an instrument to serve and benefit others rather than be the sole focus of one's existence. The reference to "beginningless ignorance" highlights the deep-rooted cause of suffering — the ignorance that perpetuates the cycle of bondage.
When one becomes excessively attached to the maintenance of the body, neglecting the essential duties that lead to spiritual awakening and liberation, it is akin to self-destruction. The sloka serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and understanding the true purpose of life. It warns against the misidentification with the physical form, which results in overlooking the goal of liberation (mokṣa) and thus, squandering the human potential for achieving the higher purpose of life.
In essence, the verse calls for introspection on how one allocates their time and energy, urging a reevaluation of priorities to align with the spiritual responsibilities that lead to true freedom.
Further Readings: