Shloka 108
Marks of the Debt-Bound/Enemy Son, Filial Dharma, Detachment, and the Durvāsā–Dharma Episode
महत्सौख्यं ददाम्येवं परत्र च न संशयः । दुर्वासा उवाच । सुखं येनाप्यते तेन परं दुःखं प्रपद्यते
mahatsaukhyaṃ dadāmyevaṃ paratra ca na saṃśayaḥ | durvāsā uvāca | sukhaṃ yenāpyate tena paraṃ duḥkhaṃ prapadyate
«هكذا أمنح سعادة عظيمة، وفي الآخرة أيضًا؛ لا شكّ في ذلك». وقال دورفاسا: «إن ما به يُنال السرور، به نفسه يُبتلى المرء بحزنٍ أعظم».
Durvāsā (second half); first sentence spoken by an unspecified prior speaker in the narrative context
Concept: Worldly pleasure is unreliable; the very means that yields sukha can mature into deeper duḥkha—therefore seek higher, dharmic happiness.
Application: Before chasing pleasure, examine its aftertaste and consequences; cultivate simple living, truth, and devotion to avoid the rebound of sorrow.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In an austere hermitage, Durvāsā—fiery-eyed yet composed—raises a hand in admonition as a shimmering mirage of pleasures (gold, garlands, wine-cups, luxurious couches) dissolves into thorny shadows. Above, a faint celestial path glows, suggesting a higher happiness beyond the mirage, while the listener bows, chastened.","primary_figures":["Durvāsā","a listener (disciple/king/brāhmaṇa)","symbolic mirage-figures of pleasure"],"setting":"forest āśrama with a small hut, sacred fire, and a clearing where mirage-like visions appear","lighting_mood":"divine radiance with sharp contrast shadows","color_palette":["flame orange","midnight blue","antique gold","charcoal black","sage green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Durvāsā centered with intense gaze, gold leaf halo and fiery aura; to one side, opulent pleasure-objects rendered in rich reds and gold, transforming into dark thorn motifs; ornate frame, gem-like detailing, sacred fire and palm-leaf manuscripts in the background.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: Durvāsā in a quiet forest clearing, delicate brushwork; mirage of luxury painted as translucent forms fading into brambles; cool blues and greens with a warm orange accent around the sage; refined expressions of warning and humility.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; Durvāsā with characteristic large eyes and dynamic hand gesture; pleasure imagery stylized as a demon-like shadow behind glittering objects; strong red/yellow/green palette with black shadow fields.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Durvāsā panel framed by lotus and thorn borders; surrounding circular vignettes show sukha turning into duḥkha; deep blue ground with gold highlights, intricate floral patterns, symbolic conch and chakra motifs hinting at Viṣṇu as the higher refuge."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["sharp temple bell strike","crackling fire","sudden hush","distant conch"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: महत् + सौख्यम् → महत्सौख्यम्; ददामि + एवम् → ददाम्येवम्; येन + आप्यते → येनाप्यते.
FAQs
It warns that pleasure pursued through craving and attachment often becomes the very cause of deeper suffering, urging discernment and restraint.
It echoes the dharmic theme that uncontrolled desire (kāma) produces bondage and distress, while disciplined living and detachment lead to steadier well-being.
Durvāsā highlights the instability of sense-based happiness: the same objects or actions that give pleasure can generate loss, conflict, dependence, and regret—resulting in greater sorrow.