Sloka 89
Sloka 89
Original Text:
बाह्येन्द्रियैः स्थूलपदार्थसेवां स्रक्चन्दनस्त्र्यादिविचित्ररूपाम् । करोति जीवः स्वयमेतदात्मना तस्मात्प्रशस्तिर्वपुषोऽस्य जागरे ॥ ८९ ॥
- Transliteration:
bāhyendriyaiḥ sthūlapadārthasevāṃ srakcandanastryādivicitrarūpām | karoti jīvaḥ svayametadātmanā tasmāt praśastir vapuṣo'sya jāgare || 89 ||
- Translation:
Through the external senses, the jīva (living being) engages with the gross objects like garlands, sandalwood, and women, of various forms. He performs these experiences himself through his own consciousness. Therefore, there is an evident distinction of the body in the state of wakefulness.
- Word Meanings:
* bāhya - external * indriyaiḥ - through the senses * sthūla - gross * padārtha - objects * sevām - engagement/service * srak - garland * candana - sandalwood * strī - women * ādi - and others * vicitra - various * rūpām - forms * karoti - performs * jīvaḥ - living being * svayam - oneself * etad - this * ātmanā - through the self * tasmāt - therefore * praśastiḥ - distinction * vapuṣaḥ - of the body * asya - of this * jāgare - in the state of wakefulness
- Commentary:
This sloka delves into the experiential reality of a jīva or living entity in the state of wakefulness. The jīva, through its external senses, engages with the material world filled with objects perceived as desirable, such as garlands, sandalwood, and association with others. These pursuits are defined as 'sthūla' or gross, indicating their material and tangible nature.
The sloka emphasizes that these experiences are mediated by the senses but are fundamentally orchestrated by the consciousness ('ātmanā') of the individual. This highlights the role of personal perception in experiencing the world, remarking on the subjective nature of reality.
The mention of 'praśastiḥ vapuṣaḥ' underscores that there is a unique distinction in the bodily state when the jīva is awake compared to other states such as dreaming or deep sleep. In Vedantic terms, the wakeful state is where the jīva identifies with the physical body and material enjoyment, leading to a direct interaction with the external world.
Ultimately, this sloka invites reflection on the nature of the jīva's interactions with the external world and subtly points towards the non-permanence and illusion of material indulgences, encouraging a deeper inquiry into the self beyond sensory experiences. This aligns with Vedantic philosophies which guide the individual toward self-realization and liberation from the transient pleasures of the material realm.
Further Readings: