Sloka 297
Sloka 297
Original Text:
निगृह्य शत्रोरहमोऽवकाशः क्वचिन्न देयो विषयानुचिन्तया । स एव संजीवनहेतुरस्य प्रक्षीणजम्बीरतरोरिवाम्बु ॥ ३१0 ॥
- **Transliteration:**
nigṛhya śatrorahamovakāśaḥ kvacinna deyo viṣayānucintayā। sa eva saṃjīvanaheturasya prakṣīṇajambīratarorivāmbu॥ 310॥
- **Translation:**
"By restraining the enemy that is avarice, one should never provide space for indulgence in sense objects. Just as water acts as the means of revival for a withered lemon tree, likewise, restraint acts as revitalization for the mind."
- **Word Meanings:**
* nigṛhya - restraining * śatroḥ - of the enemy * ahamaḥ - avarice, excessive desire * avakāśaḥ - space, opportunity * kvacit - anywhere * na - not * deyaḥ - should be given * viṣaya - sense objects * anucintayā - by indulgence, pondering over * saḥ - that * eva - indeed * saṃjīvana-hetuḥ - means of revival, rejuvenation * asya - of this, of him/her * prakṣīṇa - withered * jambīra-taroḥ - of the lemon tree * iva - like * ambu - water
- **Commentary:**
This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one's desires and the mind to attain a state of mental rejuvenation. 'Nigṛhya śatroḥ' highlights how avarice acts as an internal enemy, constantly pulling one towards the allure of external pleasures. The verse advises against providing any space or opportunity for such indulgence, as it can lead to spiritual depletion. The simile of a withered lemon tree needing water to come alive stresses the rejuvenating effect of self-restraint. The verse suggests that by controlling desires, just as water revives a parched tree, the disciplined mind finds its true vitality and clarity. The underlying principle is that genuine fulfillment lies not in the relentless pursuit of sense pleasures, but in the mindful and disciplined subjugation of uncontrolled desires. This aligns with Vedantic philosophy, which promotes self-mastery as a path to true knowledge and liberation.
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