Sloka 6
Sloka 6
Original Text:
वदन्तु शास्त्राणि यजन्तु देवान् कुर्वन्तु कर्माणि भजन्तु देवताः । आत्मैक्यबोधेन विनापि मुक्तिः न सिध्यति ब्रह्मशतान्तरेऽपि ॥ ६ ॥
- Transliteration:
Vadantu śāstrāṇi yajantu devān Kurvantu karmāṇi bhajantu devatāḥ। Ātmaikyabodhena vināpi muktiḥ Na sidhyati brahma-śatāntare'pi॥ 6 ॥
- Translation:
Let them speak the scriptures, perform sacrifices for the gods, engage in rituals, and worship deities. Without the realization of the oneness of the Self, liberation does not arise even at the end of a hundred Brahma lifetimes.
- Word Meanings:
* Vadantu - let them speak * Śāstrāṇi - the scriptures * Yajantu - let them perform sacrifices * Devān - to the gods * Kurvantu - let them perform * Karmāṇi - actions, rituals * Bhajantu - let them worship * Devatāḥ - deities * Ātmaikyabodhena - through the realization of the oneness of the Self * Vinā - without * Api - even * Muktiḥ - liberation * Na - not * Sidhyati - is accomplished, attained * Brahma-śatāntare'pi - even after a hundred lifetimes of Brahma
- Commentary:
This profound verse emphasizes the central tenet of Vedantic philosophy—that true liberation (moksha) is only achievable through self-realization, specifically the realization of the oneness of the soul (ātman) with Brahman, the ultimate reality. The verse critiques ritualistic and superficial religious practices, such as merely chanting scriptures, performing rituals, or worshipping deities, as insufficient means to achieve true liberation. These practices, while valuable in their own right, do not lead to moksha without the essential understanding of one's true nature.
The mention of "even after a hundred lifetimes of Brahma" signifies the immeasurable and prolonged effort that would still be futile without self-realization. Brahma, the creator god in Hindu cosmology, is said to have an incredibly long lifespan; thus, the verse warns against complacency in spiritual practices that lack depth and insight.
This critique is not to dissuade individuals from engaging in these practices but rather to urge a deeper understanding and pursuit of spiritual knowledge that transcends ritualistic confines. It encourages the seeker to look within for the unitive knowledge that ātman and Brahman are one, which is the cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
Further Readings: