Shloka 17
Cāturhotra as Inner Sacrifice (Yoga-Yajña) and Nārāyaṇa Recitation
तत्र सामानि गायन्ति तत्र चाहुर्निदर्शनम् । देवं नारायणं भीरु सर्वात्मानं निबोध तम्
tatra sāmāni gāyanti tatra cāhur nidarśanam | devaṃ nārāyaṇaṃ bhīru sarvātmānaṃ nibodha tam ||
“There they sing the Sāman-chants, and there they also cite an illustrative proof. O timid one, understand that divine Nārāyaṇa—the Self of all beings.” The speaker urges the listener to move from mere ritual or learned citation to direct spiritual understanding: the highest fulfillment is knowing the all-pervading Lord, not simply performing or discussing sacred song.
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that beyond ritual performance and learned quotation, one should awaken to the direct knowledge of Nārāyaṇa as the all-pervading Self (sarvātmā). True fulfillment lies in realizing the divine presence within and as all beings.
A brāhmaṇa speaker points to a setting where Sāman hymns are being sung and where authoritative examples are cited, then turns to exhort the listener—addressed as “bhīru” (timid one)—to understand and realize Nārāyaṇa, the universal Self.