Shloka 71
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
यथा प्रसुप्तं पुरुषं प्राणेन्द्रियमनोधिय: । प्रभवन्ति विना येन नोत्थापयितुमोजसा ॥ ७१ ॥
yathā prasuptaṁ puruṣaṁ prāṇendriya-mano-dhiyaḥ prabhavanti vinā yena notthāpayitum ojasā
As a sleeping man cannot be roused by prāṇa, the senses, the mind, or the intelligence—though they function depending on him—so he awakens only when the Paramātmā, the Supersoul, grants His help.
The explanation of Sāṅkhya philosophy is described here in detail in the sense that the virāṭ-puruṣa, or the universal form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the original source of all the various sense organs and their presiding deities. The relationship between the virāṭ-puruṣa and the presiding deities or the living entities is so intricate that simply by exercising the sense organs, which are related to their presiding deities, the virāṭ-puruṣa cannot be aroused. It is not possible to arouse the virāṭ-puruṣa or to link with the Supreme Absolute Personality of Godhead by material activities. Only by devotional service and detachment can one perform the process of linking with the Absolute.
FAQs
This verse explains that prāṇa, senses, mind, and intelligence can operate, but without the higher spiritual principle (the Lord/Paramātmā), they cannot awaken true consciousness—just as they cannot wake a sleeping person by their own force.
Kapila is teaching Devahūti Sāṅkhya: distinguishing material faculties from the self and showing that real awakening and liberation depend on the Lord’s presence and grace, not merely on material functions.
Do not rely only on mental effort or sensory control; add daily spiritual practice—hearing, chanting, and remembering the Lord—so consciousness is awakened beyond sleep-like material absorption.