Shloka 88
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
विष्ठात्वं जायते शीघ्रं कृमिभिश्च भवेत्किल । तद्वद्दुःखकरं वापि निजरूपं परित्यजेत्
viṣṭhātvaṃ jāyate śīghraṃ kṛmibhiśca bhavetkila | tadvadduḥkhakaraṃ vāpi nijarūpaṃ parityajet
Schnell wird es zu Kot und, so heißt es, von Würmern erfüllt. Ebenso soll man die eigene Gestalt bzw. den Zustand verlassen, wenn er zur Ursache von Leid wird.
Unknown (context not provided; likely within the Bhīṣma–Pulastya dialogue framework of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Since the body rapidly becomes impure and worm-ridden, one should abandon identification with any condition that produces suffering and turn toward liberation.
Application: When a habit, identity, or attachment becomes a source of suffering, relinquish it deliberately and replace it with disciplined devotion and service.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An uncompromising allegory of impermanence: the human form is shown as transient matter destined for filth and worms, while a luminous path of devotion opens beyond it. The composition contrasts the dark, decaying lower plane with a serene upper plane where Vishnu’s symbol shines as refuge.","primary_figures":["allegorical human body (symbolic)","a renunciant teacher","a distant Vishnu emblem (shankha-chakra or four-armed form)"],"setting":"cremation-ground edge transitioning into a quiet riverbank of contemplation (symbolic threshold)","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["charcoal black","bone white","cold silver","deep navy","aureate gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a moral-allegory panel—lower register shows the body’s inevitable impurity in symbolic, non-graphic form; upper register shows Vishnu’s radiant presence with gold leaf halo and shankha-chakra, a sage guiding the gaze upward; rich reds/greens framing, ornate borders, devotional didacticism with restrained depiction of decay.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: poetic allegory—night scene near a riverbank, a sage points to the moonlit truth of impermanence; decay suggested through subtle symbolism (withered garland, fallen petals) rather than gore; cool palette, delicate brushwork, contemplative mood.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: strong symbolic contrasts—dark lower band with stylized worm motifs, bright upper band with Vishnu iconography, bold outlines, natural pigments, temple-wall narrative clarity, large expressive eyes of the teacher conveying detachment.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional transformation—lower panel shows impermanence through fallen lotus petals and fading human silhouette; upper panel features Krishna/Vishnu amid lotus motifs, peacocks, and gold accents, intricate floral borders, deep blues and gold emphasizing refuge beyond decay."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (soft, distant)","low drum heartbeat","night insects","long silence after the line"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कृमिभिश्च = कृमिभिः + च; भवेत्किल = भवेत् + किल; तद्वद्दुःखकरं = तद्वत् + दुःखकरम्; वापि = वा + अपि
FAQs
It teaches dispassion: if a condition or attachment inevitably degrades and becomes a source of suffering, one should relinquish it.
It is a stark reminder of decay and impurity, used to break fascination with what seems desirable and to encourage renunciation of harmful attachments.
Evaluate habits, relationships, or pursuits by their long-term effect: if they lead to distress and degradation, choose to let them go in favor of what supports clarity and well-being.