Shloka 72
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
तमस्मिन्प्रत्यगात्मानं धिया योगप्रवृत्तया । भक्त्या विरक्त्या ज्ञानेन विविच्यात्मनि चिन्तयेत् ॥ ७२ ॥
tam asmin pratyag-ātmānaṁ dhiyā yoga-pravṛttayā bhaktyā viraktyā jñānena vivicyātmani cintayet
Therefore, with intelligence engaged in yoga, and by devotion (bhakti), detachment, and spiritual knowledge, one should discern and meditate upon the Supersoul (Paramatma), who dwells within this very body yet remains distinct from it.
One can realize the Supersoul within oneself. He is within one’s body but apart from the body, or transcendental to the body. Although sitting in the same body as the individual soul, the Supersoul has no affection for the body, whereas the individual soul does. Therefore one has to detach himself from this material body, by discharging devotional service. It is clearly mentioned here ( bhaktyā ) that one has to execute devotional service to the Supreme. As it is stated in the First Canto, Second Chapter, of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.7) , vāsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ. When Vāsudeva, the all-pervading Viṣṇu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is served in completely pure devotion, detachment from the material world immediately begins. The purpose of Sāṅkhya is to detach oneself from material contamination. This can be achieved simply by devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
This verse teaches that one should contemplate the indwelling Self within, using yoga-directed intelligence, and that devotion (bhakti), detachment (vairagya), and knowledge (jnana) together support such meditation.
Kapila instructs His mother Devahūti in Sāṅkhya and devotional practice, showing how inner discrimination and meditation—nourished by bhakti, jñāna, and virakti—lead to liberation.
Practice steady devotion (daily prayer/chanting), cultivate detachment (reduce obsession with temporary gains), and seek clear understanding (study and reflection), then turn the mind inward to remember the Lord within.