Shloka 53
Secondary Creation Begins: Brahmā’s Productions, the Guṇas, and the Emergence of Orders of Beings
तेभ्यश्चैकैकश: स्वस्य देहस्यांशमदादज: । यत्तत्समाधियोगर्द्धितपोविद्याविरक्तिमत् ॥ ५३ ॥
tebhyaś caikaikaśaḥ svasya dehasyāṁśam adād ajaḥ yat tat samādhi-yogarddhi- tapo-vidyā-viraktimat
To each of those sons, the unborn Creator (Aja) bestowed a portion of His own body—endowed with samādhi-yoga, austerity, sacred knowledge, and renunciation.
The word viraktimat in this verse means “possessed of the qualification of renunciation.” Spiritual realization cannot be attained by materialistic persons. For those who are addicted to sense enjoyment, spiritual realization is not possible. In Bhagavad-gītā it is stated that those who are too attached to seeking material possessions and material enjoyment cannot reach yoga-samādhi, absorption in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Propaganda that one can enjoy this life materially and at the same time spiritually advance is simply bogus. The principles of renunciation are four: (1) to avoid illicit sex life, (2) to avoid meat-eating, (3) to avoid intoxication and (4) to avoid gambling. These four principles are called tapasya, or austerity. To absorb the mind in the Supreme in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the process of spiritual realization.
FAQs
This verse links genuine spiritual power to samādhi (deep absorption), supported by tapas (discipline), vidyā (realized knowledge), and virakti (detachment), indicating these are foundational qualities for higher spiritual capacity.
In the creation narrative, Brahmā expands the population by empowering beings with specific capacities; giving “a portion of his body” signifies granting creative potency and particular qualities suited to their roles in manifestation.
Practice steady discipline (tapas), study and contemplation that lead to clarity (vidyā), and simplify desires through mindful detachment (virakti)—all aimed at deepening inner focus (samādhi) rather than mere external achievement.