Sloka 105
Sloka 105
Original Text:
यत्सुषुप्तौ निर्विषय आत्मानन्दोऽनुभूयते । श्रुतिः प्रत्यक्षमैतिह्यमनुमानं च जाग्रति ॥ १0७ ॥
- Transliteration:
yatsuṣuptau nirviṣaya ātmānando'nubhūyate | śrutiḥ pratyakṣamaitihyamanumānaṁ ca jāgrati || 107 ||
- Translation:
In deep sleep, when there are no objects, the bliss of the self is experienced. In the waking state, the Vedas, direct perception, tradition, and inference provide knowledge.
- Word Meanings:
* yat - which * suṣuptau - in deep sleep * nirviṣaya - devoid of objects * ātma-ānandaḥ - bliss of the Self * anubhūyate - is experienced * śrutiḥ - Vedic scriptures * pratyakṣa - direct perception * aitihyam - tradition * anumānaṁ - inference * ca - and * jāgrati - in the waking state
- Commentary:
This verse explores the different ways of experiencing and understanding reality in various states of consciousness. In the state of deep sleep (suṣupti), there is no awareness of external objects, yet the soul experiences a unique bliss (ātma-ānanda) that is pure and untouched by the sensory world. This inherent bliss is considered the true nature of the self, which is often obscured by the distractions of the waking and dream states.
In contrast, the waking state is where knowledge is derived through multiple means: śruti (Vedic knowledge) provides a spiritual and authoritative perspective; pratyakṣa (direct perception) involves sensory experience and empirical observation; aitihyam (tradition) consists of beliefs and practices handed down through generations; and anumāna (inference) involves logical reasoning and deduction.
Together, these methods offer a comprehensive approach to understanding the world, balancing subjective experience and objective investigation. However, the sloka emphasizes the distinction between the transient sources of knowledge in the waking state and the inherent bliss accessible when the mind is free from distractions in deep sleep. This distinction leads to inquiries about the nature of the self and its true knowledge, central themes in Vedantic philosophy which encourage individuals to seek beyond empirical knowledge for the realization of the ultimate truth, which lies within.
Further Readings: