Sloka 127
Sloka 127
Original Text:
यस्य सन्निधिमात्रेण देहेन्द्रियमनोधियः । विषयेषु स्वकीयेषु वर्तन्ते प्रेरिता इव ॥ १२९ ॥
Certainly! Here is the analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
yasya sannidhimātreṇa dehendriyamanodhiyaḥ | viṣayeṣu svakīyeṣu vartante preritā iva || 129 ||
- **Translation:**
By whose mere presence, the body, senses, mind, and intellect appear as if they are active in their respective objects.
- **Word Meanings:**
* yasya - by whose * sannidhimātreṇa - by mere presence * deha - body * indriya - senses * manaḥ - mind * dhiyaḥ - intellect * viṣayeṣu - in objects * svakīyeṣu - their respective * vartante - exist, move, function * preritāḥ - inspired, motivated * iva - as if
- **Commentary:**
This verse speaks to the fundamental Vedantic insight into the nature of consciousness and its relationship to the mind and senses. In Vedantic philosophy, the pure consciousness or Self (Ātman) is distinct from the body and mind, which are insentient by themselves. The sloka emphasizes that the apparent activity of the body, senses, mind, and intellect is not due to their own power but rather due to the proximity and influence of the Self, the true source of consciousness.
The phrase "sannidhimātreṇa" highlights the non-active role of the Self; it merely "is" and yet this presence alone is sufficient to animate the entire psychophysical apparatus. This is akin to electricity enlivening a machine. The machine appears to function on its own, but its operation is entirely dependent on the electricity flowing through it.
This sloka encourages a deeper contemplation on the mistaken identity humans often have when they consider their body and mind as the true self. It also invites practitioners to inquire into the source of consciousness, leading to an understanding that their true nature is not the changing body or mind but the changeless, fundamental consciousness.
By acknowledging this separation between the self and the instruments of perception and action, one can achieve a sense of detachment and equanimity, realizing that one's true essence is unaffected by the ups and downs experienced by the body and mind. This realization is pivotal for spiritual liberation (moksha) in Vedantic philosophy.
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