Shloka 14
Narrative of Sumanā: The Quest for a Worthy Son and the Karmic Roots of Poverty
यदि मे सुप्रियं कार्यं त्वयैव मुनिपुंगव । मम प्रश्नार्थसंदेहं विच्छेदय द्विजोत्तम
yadi me supriyaṃ kāryaṃ tvayaiva munipuṃgava | mama praśnārthasaṃdehaṃ vicchedaya dvijottama
«إن كنت تريد أن تفعل ما هو أحبُّ إليّ، يا سيدَ الحكماء، فاقطع شكي المتعلّق بمعنى سؤالي، يا خيرَ ذوي الميلادين.»
Unspecified questioner addressing a sage (munipuṅgava, dvijottama)
Concept: The dearest gift a sage can give is clarity—cutting doubt so right action becomes possible.
Application: Name your doubt precisely and ask a qualified mentor to address the root meaning, not just symptoms; clarity precedes discipline.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"The inquirer leans forward slightly, hands still folded, eyes searching—his doubt visible like a shadow. Vasiṣṭha sits steady as a mountain, one hand raised in a gentle teaching gesture, as if about to sever the knot of uncertainty with a single luminous sentence.","primary_figures":["Vasiṣṭha","the inquirer (addressing munipuṅgava, dvijottama)"],"setting":"Teaching pavilion in an āśrama, with a low wooden stand holding scriptures; a small sacred fire smolders, symbolizing discernment.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["pearl white","saffron","deep green","lapis blue","gold leaf"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Vasiṣṭha enthroned on a lotus-like seat with gold leaf halo, right hand in vyākhyāna-mudrā; the inquirer kneeling; ornate borders, rich reds and greens, gem-studded ornaments, scripture stand highlighted with gold.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined faces and subtle emotion, Vasiṣṭha calm and luminous, the inquirer earnest; cool blues and greens with saffron accents, delicate linework, airy composition with a hint of distant hills.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized gestures, warm ochre background; Vasiṣṭha’s large serene eyes, the inquirer’s pleading posture; decorative flame motifs around the yajña fire, traditional pigment palette.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central teaching scene framed by lotus borders and floral vines; deep blue background with gold highlights, symmetrical ornamentation, peacocks at corners, intricate textile patterns emphasizing sacred dialogue."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"emotional","sound_elements":["low drum pulse","conch shell (soft)","fire crackle","brief silence after key words"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: tvayaiva = tvayā + eva; प्रश्नार्थसंदेहं = प्रश्नार्थ + संदेहं (समास)
FAQs
The speaker asks the sage to remove (cut off) their doubt regarding the meaning and intent of the question they have posed.
They honor the addressee as an exemplary sage and an excellent “twice-born” (typically a learned brāhmaṇa), implying authority to clarify doctrine and meaning.
The verse models respectful inquiry: approaching qualified teachers with humility and asking for precise clarification to resolve doubt rather than relying on assumption.