Sloka 129
Sloka 129
Original Text:
एषोऽन्तरात्मा पुरुषः पुराणो निरन्तराखण्डसुखानुभूतिः । सदैकरूपः प्रतिबोधमात्रो येनेषिता वागसवश्चरन्ति ॥ १३१ ॥
Certainly! Here's the detailed presentation for the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
eṣo'ntarātmā puruṣaḥ purāṇo nirantarākhaṇḍasukhānubhūtiḥ | sadaikarūpaḥ pratibodhamātro yeneṣitā vāgasavaścaranti || 131 ||
- **Translation:**
This inner self, the ancient being, is the continuous, uninterrupted experiencer of bliss. Ever-unchanging and consisting solely of pure consciousness, by whom speech and the vital forces move and act.
- **Word Meanings:**
* eṣaḥ - this * antaḥ-ātmā - inner self * puruṣaḥ - being, person * purāṇaḥ - ancient * nirantara - uninterrupted, continuous * akhaṇḍa - indivisible * sukha - bliss * anubhūtiḥ - experience * sadā - always * eka-rūpaḥ - of a single form, unchanging * pratibodha-mātraḥ - consisting solely of pure consciousness * yena - by whom * iṣitā - directed * vāṅ - speech * asavaḥ - vital forces, breaths * caranti - move, act
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes the concept of the 'inner self' or 'Antarātmā' in Vedantic philosophy, highlighting its timeless and changeless nature. Unlike the transient phenomena of the material world, the inner self is described as 'purāṇa' or ancient, suggesting its eternal aspect that is beyond the confines of time. The nature of this self is characterized by a continuous and uninterrupted experience of bliss, representing the ultimate and infinite state of happiness that is sought in spiritual practice.
The description of the self as 'nirantarākhaṇḍasukhānubhūtiḥ' underscores the Vedantic assertion that true happiness comes from within and is not dependent on external circumstances. The term 'pratibodhamātra' highlights that this self is pure consciousness, implying that it is the essence underlying all thoughts, knowledge, and awareness.
Speech and the vital forces acting under its direction ('yeneṣitā vāgasavaścaranti') signify that it is the source and controller of all bodily and mental functions. This notion aligns with the Upanishadic teachings that the self is the innermost essence ('antarātmā') that pervades and enlivens the entire being, emphasizing the relationship between the self and the manifest universe.
In essence, this sloka encapsulates the core Vedantic teaching that the ultimate reality is the inner self, which is pure consciousness, unchanging and the true source of bliss and life. By realizing this infinite self, one transcends the limitations and sufferings of the transient world.
Further Readings: