Shloka 8
Exposition of the Duties of Ascetics
Saṃnyāsa-Dharma
यस्त्वग्निमात्मसाकृत्वा ब्रह्मार्पणपरो द्विजः । ज्ञेयः स कर्मसंन्यासी महायज्ञपरायणः
yastvagnimātmasākṛtvā brahmārpaṇaparo dvijaḥ | jñeyaḥ sa karmasaṃnyāsī mahāyajñaparāyaṇaḥ
ذلك المولودُ مرّتَين الذي يجعل النارَ المقدّسة نفسَه، ويخلص لتقديم كلّ شيءٍ قربانًا لبراهمان—فاعلموه متنسّكًا عن الأفعال، مكرَّسًا كلّيًا للمها-يَجْنَا.
Unspecified (narrative voice not indicated in the provided excerpt)
Concept: Karma-renunciation is not abandonment of sacred action but transforming action into Brahman-offering, with the fire internalized as the self.
Application: Before work or household duties, set an intention of offering results to the Divine; reduce ‘mine-ness’ in achievements; keep a simple daily ritual (lamp, mantra) as a reminder of inner agni.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A twice-born ascetic stands before a small sacred fire, but the flames mirror within his chest as a second, subtler fire-lotus, suggesting ‘agni as the self’. He pours a ladle of ghee that transforms mid-air into a stream of light, rising upward as an offering to an unseen Brahman, while the surrounding ritual implements appear simplified and secondary to the inner radiance.","primary_figures":["karma-sannyāsī dvija","sacred fire (outer and inner)"],"setting":"Forest yajña-śālā with a modest altar, kusa grass, ladle, and a quiet sky.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["flame orange","smoky umber","sandalwood tan","radiant gold","deep teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: dvija offering into a small homa-kuṇḍa, gold leaf flames and a second gold aura-fire at the heart, rich crimson backdrop with ornate arch, gem-studded halo only, ritual vessels rendered with metallic highlights, the offering stream depicted as luminous gold ribbons ascending.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate homa scene in a forest clearing, delicate smoke curls, cool teal shadows against warm firelight, the inner-heart fire shown as a subtle lotus glow, refined linework on kusa grass and utensils, tranquil sky gradient.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized homa-kuṇḍa and flames, the ascetic’s chest marked with a glowing circular motif, warm red/yellow field with green foliage bands, simplified ritual geometry emphasizing ‘mahāyajña’.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central homa altar framed by lotus and flame motifs, the offering stream stylized as gold floral vines, deep blue background, intricate border with repeating śaṅkha-chakra patterns to hint Vaishnava yajña, peacocks and cows at the margins as auspicious witnesses."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["crackling fire","mantra undertone","wooden ladle tap","soft conch shell"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यस्त्वग्निमात्मसाकृत्वा = यः + तु + अग्निम् + आत्मसात् + कृत्वा; ब्रह्मार्पणपरो = ब्रह्मार्पणपरः.
FAQs
It indicates internalizing the sacrificial fire—treating yajña as an inner discipline where the sense of doership is offered into the Self/Brahman rather than merely performing an external ritual.
The verse defines renunciation as giving up attachment and egoic ownership of actions; the acts may continue, but they are offered to Brahman (brahmārpaṇa), making them non-binding.
Perform duties with consecrated intent—offer results and ownership to the highest principle (Brahman). This transforms action into worship and reduces ego, greed, and harm.