Shloka 63
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
वह्निर्वाचा मुखं भेजे नोदतिष्ठत्तदा विराट् । घ्राणेन नासिके वायुर्नोदतिष्ठत्तदा विराट् ॥ ६३ ॥
vahnir vācā mukhaṁ bheje nodatiṣṭhat tadā virāṭ ghrāṇena nāsike vāyur nodatiṣṭhat tadā virāṭ
The fire-god entered His mouth along with the organ of speech, yet the Virāṭ-Puruṣa did not rise. Then the wind-god entered His nostrils along with the sense of smell, yet still the Virāṭ-Puruṣa would not awaken.
FAQs
This verse says that even when fire enters the mouth with speech, and air enters the nostrils with smell, the Virāṭ form still does not awaken—implying that mere assembly of senses and elements is insufficient without the enlivening principle.
Kapila explains Sāṅkhya creation step-by-step to show how the senses and their presiding elements integrate into the universal form, and to highlight that consciousness/animation is distinct from material components.
Having all “inputs” (speech, breath, sensory capacity) doesn’t guarantee clarity or purpose; real vitality comes from inner consciousness and devotion—directing the senses toward higher meaning rather than mere function.