Sloka 109
Sloka 109
Original Text:
विक्षेपशक्ती रजसः क्रियात्मिका यतः प्रवृत्तिः प्रसृता पुराणी । रागादयोऽस्याः प्रभवन्ति नित्यं दुःखादयो ये मनसो विकाराः ॥ १११ ॥
Certainly! Here is the analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` vikṣepaśaktī rajasaḥ kriyātmikā yataḥ pravṛttiḥ prasṛtā purāṇī। rāgādayo'syāḥ prabhavanti nityaṁ duḥkhādayo ye manaso vikārāḥ॥ 111॥ ```
- **Translation:**
``` The projecting power, characteristic of Rajas, is of the nature of activity, from which the ancient flow of worldly action has sprung. From it, arise desires and other modifications of the mind, such as sorrow, which are ever-present. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **vikṣepaśaktī** - the projecting power * **rajasaḥ** - of Rajas * **kriyātmikā** - of the nature of activity * **yataḥ** - from which * **pravṛttiḥ** - activity, worldly action * **prasṛtā** - has sprung, spread forth * **purāṇī** - ancient * **rāgādayaḥ** - desires and others * **asyāḥ** - from it * **prabhavanti** - arise, originate * **nityam** - always, ever-present * **duḥkhādayaḥ** - sorrows and others * **ye** - which * **manasaḥ** - of the mind * **vikārāḥ** - modifications, disturbances
- **Commentary:**
The sloka highlights the role of Rajas, one of the three gunas or qualities in Samkhya philosophy. Rajas is characterized by dynamism, activity, and restlessness. It causes the mind to be continually active and engaged in the pursuit of worldly desires and pleasures. The term "vikṣepaśaktī" implies that Rajas has the power to project or create multiplicity and distractions in the mind, leading to a lack of stability and peace.
The verse indicates that the ancient flow of worldly activity is rooted in this Rajas quality, implying that it is not a new process but has been functioning eternally as part of the cosmic order. The rise of "rāgādayaḥ," such as desire, attachment, and preferences, are due to this inherent activity of Rajas, which never ceases.
The mention of "duḥkhādayo ye manaso vikārāḥ" underlines the perpetual presence of disturbances in the mind, arising from Rajas. These disturbances manifest as emotional states like sorrow, agitation, and anxiety, highlighting the unrest that accompanies a Rajasic state of mind. The verse serves as a reminder to be aware of Rajas' influence on our mental states and encourages seeking balance through the recognition and moderation of its effects, perhaps by the cultivation of Sattva, the quality of purity and harmony.
Further Readings: