Shloka 43
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
क्लेदनं पिण्डनं तृप्ति: प्राणनाप्यायनोन्दनम् । तापापनोदो भूयस्त्वमम्भसो वृत्तयस्त्विमा: ॥ ४३ ॥
kledanaṁ piṇḍanaṁ tṛptiḥ prāṇanāpyāyanondanam tāpāpanodo bhūyastvam ambhaso vṛttayas tv imāḥ
Water’s qualities are seen in its moistening, coagulating mixtures, granting satisfaction, sustaining and nourishing life, softening things, dispelling heat, ceaselessly filling reservoirs, and refreshing by quenching thirst.
Starvation can be mitigated by drinking water. It is sometimes found that if a person who has taken a vow to fast takes a little water at intervals, the exhaustion of fasting is at once mitigated. In the Vedas it is also stated, āpomayaḥ prāṇaḥ: “Life depends on water.” With water, anything can be moistened or dampened. Flour dough can be prepared with a mixture of water. Mud is made by mixing earth with water. As stated in the beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, water is the cementing ingredient of different material elements. If we build a house, water is actually the constituent in making the bricks. Fire, water and air are the exchanging elements for the entire material manifestation, but water is most prominent. Also, excessive heat can be reduced simply by pouring water on the heated field.
FAQs
In Canto 3, Chapter 26, Kapila lists water’s roles: moistening, binding substances, satisfying, sustaining life, nourishing, refreshing, and relieving heat and fatigue.
Kapila is teaching Devahuti Sāṅkhya—an analysis of material elements and their functions—so she can understand prakṛti clearly and progress toward liberation through devotion and right knowledge.
It cultivates gratitude and sāttvika awareness: seeing daily necessities like water as part of God’s ordered creation, using them responsibly, and remembering the Lord while being nourished and refreshed.