nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ
ubhayorapi dṛiṣhṭo ’nta stvanayos tattva-darśhibhiḥ
Word to
Word Meaning: asataḥ = of the temporary; na vidyate = not there, not possible; bhāvaḥ = existence; sataḥ = for the truth; abhāvaḥ = lacking, feeling of absence; na vidyate = not there, not possible; anayoḥ = of these; ubhayoḥ api = also of the two; antaḥ tu— verily deduced, What is certain to last; tattva darśhibhiḥ = by the great seers (or observers); dṛiṣhṭaḥ—observed;
Literal Meaning: Bodies are transient and
perishable, lacking endurance, while truth is eternal and immutable. This
understanding is affirmed by great observers who comprehend both.
Word to Word Meaning: Literal Meaning: Commentary
1. The two significant events that determine human existence are birth and death. The awareness we experience is born between the said limiters. Therefore, it is a fleeting phenomenon. Whatever has a definite beginning and end is impermanent (Gita 5-22) is a transient thing.
2. Here, the Lord is elucidating the concept that in the absence of something, we do not realize that we are dead. It's natural for bodies to perish with the passage of time. Therefore, armed with these transient awareness, our understanding of infinity remains mere opinions and speculations. To truly grasp the truth, one must transcend the great barrier known as 'death'.
3. Here, "tattvadarshibhih" (तत्त्वदर्शिभि:) affirms "darshibhih," (दर्शिभि:) indicating those who have directly witnessed the nature of truth firsthand. It's crucial to remember that they are not merely individuals who have heard or read about it, but those who have personally experienced that eternity and spoken from that direct experience.
4. Our visible world follows the Trophic Cascade phenomenon, an ecological event triggered by the addition or removal of top predators. This cascade involves reciprocal changes in the populations of predators and prey throughout a food chain, often leading to substantial alterations in ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.
5. It is surprising to know how minor variations can lead to significant changes. In the early 20th century, after wolves were eradicated from Yellowstone Park, the deer population soared uncontrollably, decimating the vegetation and transforming the area into a near desert. This also affected the revers. Efforts to control the deer population were largely ineffective.
6. Dramatic changes occurred in 1995 when just 25 grey wolves were reintroduced, and within 15 years, the forest had remarkably recovered its former splendour.
7. We only know the effect of what follows the hierarchy of impotence (Trophic cascade). In the example above, attempts to control deer have failed. That is, controlling for the effect is not beneficial. The source of that effect should be found.
8. Our inner self mirrors the outer world. In the absence of truth, falsehood takes over in countless forms, much like the unchecked deer population in the previous example. This falsehood is difficult to control and cannot be remedied as easily as taking pills for physical ailments. To attain truth, there is no shortcut; one must eliminate falsehood and hypocrisy. This is the only remedy. Rejecting falsehood is essential. One cannot achieve the "Param" (= the Other world) or higher state of existence without finding the path to truth.
9. Now consider the poem below by Annamacharya:
“తగు మునులు ఋషులు తపములు సేయఁగ / గగనము మోచియుఁ గర్మము దెగదా” (meaning "It
is crucial not to attempt to alter the universe, but to ensure that one remains
steadfast on the righteous path. Many fail to comprehend this simple truth and
believe they are engaged in divine work, but often their efforts go in
vain.")
Corollary:
1.
"The magnitude of the apparent problem often
compels drastic action by man, while the solution might be very simple.
Therefore, discovering that subtle but firm action is the key”
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