Sloka 5
Sloka 5
Original Text:
इतः को न्वस्ति मूढात्मा यस्तु स्वार्थे प्रमाद्यति । दुर्लभं मानुषं देहं प्राप्य तत्रापि पौरुषम् ॥ ५ ॥
Certainly! Let's explore the given sloka:
- **Transliteration:**
itah ko nvasti mūḍhātmā yastu svārthe pramādyati। durlabhaṁ mānuṣaṁ dehaṁ prāpya tatrāpi pauruṣam॥ 5॥
- **Translation:**
Who indeed is more foolish than the one who neglects his true purpose? Having obtained the rare human body, and even rarer, the strength of will, who would waste such a precious opportunity?
- **Word Meanings:**
* इतः (itah) - from this perspective, hence * कः (kah) - who * नु (nu) - indeed * अस्ति (asti) - is * मूढात्मा (mūḍhātmā) - foolish soul * यः (yah) - who * तु (tu) - but * स्वार्थे (svārthe) - in his own interest/purpose * प्रमाद्यति (pramādyati) - neglects, wastes * दुर्लभं (durlabham) - rare * मानुषं (mānuṣam) - human * देहं (deham) - body * प्राप्य (prāpya) - having obtained * तत्रापि (tatrāpi) - even there, moreover * पौरुषं (pauruṣam) - strength, valor, human effort
- **Commentary:**
This sloka reflects on the significance of human life and the potential that it carries. The human body is described as "durlabham" or rare, emphasizing the unique opportunity it provides for spiritual growth and self-realization. It suggests that, among all creatures, humans have a distinct ability to exercise conscious will ("pauruṣam") and strive towards higher goals. The sloka poses a rhetorical question about foolishness and negligence, suggesting that failing to pursue one's true purpose and self-interest (in the spiritual sense) is the ultimate folly.
The term "mūḍhātmā" indicates a spiritual blindness or ignorance where one is oblivious to their higher purpose. The rarity of the human birth implies that one should not squander it by indulging merely in sensory pleasures or mundane pursuits. Instead, they should recognize and harness their potential for achieving spiritual enlightenment and fulfilling their life's true purpose. Thus, the sloka serves as a reminder to engage in self-reflection and purposeful action, making the best use of the human form and the opportunities it presents.
Further Readings: