Sloka 131
Sloka 131
Original Text:
ज्ञाता मनोऽहंकृतिविक्रियाणां देहेन्द्रियप्राणकृतक्रियाणाम् । अयोऽग्निवत्ताननुवर्तमानो न चेष्टते नो विकरोति किंचन ॥ १३३ ॥
Certainly! Here's a detailed breakdown of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` jñātā mano'haṅkṛtivikriyāṇāṃ dehendriyaprāṇakṛtakriyāṇām | ayo'gnivattānanuvartamāno na ceṣṭate no vikaroti kiñcana || 133 || ```
- **Translation:**
``` The knower of the modifications of the mind and ego, and of the actions performed by the body, senses, and life-force, remains like iron in fire, following them, but neither acts nor alters in any way. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **jñātā** - the knower * **manaḥ** - mind * **ahaṅkṛti** - ego * **vikriyāṇām** - of the modifications * **deha** - body * **indriya** - senses * **prāṇa** - life-force * **kṛta** - done, performed * **kriyāṇām** - of the actions * **ayaḥ** - iron * **agni** - fire * **vat** - like * **tān** - them * **anuvartamānaḥ** - following * **na** - does not * **ceṣṭate** - act * **na** - nor * **vikaroti** - alter, change * **kiñcana** - any, in any way
- **Commentary:**
The sloka presents a profound insight into the nature of the true self (ātman) in contrast to the activities and changes in the mind-body complex. It draws a symbolic comparison of the self with iron placed in fire. Just as iron remains unaffected intrinsically by the fire yet appears to follow its heat and glow, similarly, the true self remains unaffected by the dynamics of mental and physical activities despite being associated with them. This metaphor illustrates the transcendental aspect of the self, which is unchanging and eternal, unaffected by the fluctuations of external phenomena (like ego and sensory actions). The self is the passive observer or witness (sākṣin) that perceives the play of prakriti (nature) without itself participating or undergoing any alteration.
This understanding encourages practitioners of Vedantic philosophy to disidentify with the impermanent aspects of existence (mind, body, senses) and to realize one's true nature as the stable, unchanging consciousness that supports all experiences. It emphasizes the distinction between the inherent nature of the self and the transient activities and changes observed in life, promoting a sense of inner peace and equanimity amidst life's complexities.
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