Sloka 3
Sloka 3
Original Text:
दुर्लभं त्रयमेवैतद्देवानुग्रहहेतुकम् । मनुष्यत्वं मुमुक्षुत्वं महापुरुषसंश्रयः ॥ ३ ॥
Certainly! Here is the detailed analysis of the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
``` durlabhaṁ trayamevaitaddevānugrahahetukam | manuṣyatvaṁ mumukṣutvaṁ mahāpuruṣasaṁśrayaḥ || 3 || ```
- **Translation:**
``` Three things are indeed rare and are attainable only by the grace of God: human birth, the desire for liberation, and the association with great souls. ```
- **Word Meanings:**
* **durlabham** - rare * **trayam** - three * **eva** - indeed * **etat** - this * **deva-anugraha-hetukam** - due to the grace of the divine * **manuṣyatvam** - human birth * **mumukṣutvam** - desire for liberation * **mahāpuruṣa** - great souls or enlightened beings * **saṁśrayaḥ** - association or refuge
- **Commentary:**
The sloka underscores the rarity and preciousness of certain opportunities that arise in one's journey to spiritual enlightenment. The text highlights three such rare gifts: being born as a human, having a yearning for liberation, and finding association with enlightened spiritual teachers.
**Human Birth (Manuṣyatvam):** It is in human life that one possesses the capability to pursue spiritual growth and self-inquiry. Unlike other life forms bound by instinct and survival, a human possesses intellect and a level of consciousness required for philosophical inquiry and spiritual practices.
**Desire for Liberation (Mumukṣutvam):** The desire or earnest longing to attain liberation (moksha) is considered a driving force for spiritual progression. It signifies a dissatisfaction with the transient pleasures of the world and a yearning to attain a higher state of peace and knowledge.
**Association with Great Souls (Mahāpuruṣasaṁśrayaḥ):** The company of wise and realized individuals provides guidance, inspiration, and support on the spiritual path. Such company is irreplaceable as it accelerates one's spiritual growth, helps clarify doubts, and offers direct experience of spiritual truths.
The sloka implies that while these three are rare and valuable, they are made accessible through divine grace, suggesting the play of higher forces in one's spiritual journey. It calls the aspirants to recognize, cherish, and make full use of these divine gifts for their spiritual pursuits.
Further Readings: