Shloka 137
Vishnu-sahasranāma-style Japa: Vishnu as Cosmic Cause and Inner Self
Antaryāmin
प्राणिस्थः (८६०)शिल्प कृच्छिल्पो हस्तयोश्च नियामकः / पदव्यश्चैव गन्ता च गन्तव्यं गमनं तथा
prāṇisthaḥ (860)śilpa kṛcchilpo hastayośca niyāmakaḥ / padavyaścaiva gantā ca gantavyaṃ gamanaṃ tathā
In den Lebewesen verweilend ist Er der Urheber von Geschick und Handwerk; Er lenkt die Hände. Er ist auch der Weg selbst — ebenso der Wanderer, das zu erreichende Ziel und das Gehen selbst.
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Divine immanence in action: He is the source of skill (śilpa), the governor of hands, and also the path, traveler, destination, and movement—integrating doer, deed, and goal.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga orientation: agency is offered to the inner ruler; non-separation of means and end when action is rooted in the Self.
Application: Work as worship: cultivate excellence without ego; before tasks, mentally dedicate hands and journey to the inner Lord; reduce anxiety by remembering the ‘gamanam’ too is governed.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.15.133-136 (inner ruler across faculties)
FAQs
This verse teaches that skill, action, and the capacity to work arise under the indwelling divine regulation, encouraging humility and dharmic use of one’s abilities.
By stating that the Lord is the path, the traveler, the destination, and the journey, it frames spiritual progress as ultimately grounded in the Divine—guiding, sustaining, and fulfilling the soul’s movement.
Use your talents ethically, avoid pride in achievement, and dedicate actions to the Divine—seeing work, progress, and goals as occasions for devotion and self-discipline.