Sloka 84
Sloka 84
Original Text:
शरीरपोषणार्थी सन् य आत्मानं दिदृक्षति । ग्राहं दारुधिया धृत्वा नदि तर्तुं स गच्छति ॥ ८४ ॥
Certainly! Let's delve into the sloka provided:
- Transliteration:**
śarīra-poṣaṇārthī san ya ātmānaṃ didṛkṣati | grāhaṃ dāru-dhiyā dhṛtvā nadī tartuṃ sa gacchati || 84 ||
- Translation:**
He who seeks to know the Self while being solely focused on nourishing the body is like one who grasps a crocodile thinking it to be a log, and attempts to cross the river.
- Word Meanings:**
- *śarīra* - body - *poṣaṇa* - nourishment - *arthī* - desirous, seeking for - *san* - being - *yaḥ* - who - *ātmānam* - the Self - *didṛkṣati* - desires to see, seeks to know - *grāham* - crocodile - *dāru* - wood, log - *dhiyā* - with the thought of - *dhṛtvā* - holding, grasping - *nadī* - river - *tartum* - to cross - *saḥ* - he - *gacchati* - goes
- Commentary:**
This sloka presents an insightful metaphor illustrating the common error in prioritizing body-centric pursuits over self-realization. It emphasizes the futility and danger of mistaking material existence (the body) for spiritual essence (the Self).
The comparison to one holding onto a "crocodile thinking it to be a log" suggests a mistaken perception driven by ignorance. In spiritual practice, just as the wrong assumption might lead to one's detriment, focusing solely on the physical and material aspects with the intention of realizing deeper truths is fundamentally flawed. The true essence, or the Self, cannot be comprehended with such a misdirected approach.
The irony captures the idea that such a person, intent on crossing the 'river'—representing life's challenges or the journey to enlightenment—will ultimately find themselves in peril if they cannot distinguish between true sustenance (spiritual insight) and perilous distractions (mere bodily nourishment).
This sloka urges aspirants to discern wisely, emphasizing that real spiritual progress demands transcending bodily desires and illusions. Only through correct discernment and sincere pursuit can the aspirant cross the 'river' of samsara and attain the vision of the true Self.
Further Readings: