Shloka 118
The Greatness of the Ancestors: Ekoddiṣṭa Śrāddha, Āśauca Rules, and Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa
हा वयं कर्मविभ्रष्टाः कामतः कर्मबंधनात् । एवं विलप्य बहुशस्त्रयस्ते योगपारगाः
hā vayaṃ karmavibhraṣṭāḥ kāmataḥ karmabaṃdhanāt | evaṃ vilapya bahuśastrayaste yogapāragāḥ
“Alas! Through desire we have strayed from our rightful duties and fallen into the bondage of karma.” Thus lamenting again and again, those three—masters who had passed beyond yoga—continued.
Narrator (context indicates ‘those three yogins/ascetics’ are being described as lamenting)
Concept: Kāma derails svadharma and forges karma-bandhana; even advanced practitioners must guard against desire’s relapse.
Application: Name the desire that is pulling you off-course; reduce its fuel (company, media, habits), replace with a daily vow (niyama) and devotional practice (japa, pūjā, service).
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Three ascetics sit on kusa grass, heads bowed, hands clasped in remorse, repeating their confession as if each word is a bead on a rosary of regret. Behind them, a shadowy serpent-like chain symbolizes karma-bandhana, while above, a calm, distant Vishnu-like radiance suggests the possibility of release through surrender.","primary_figures":["three yogins/ascetics (trayaḥ yogapāragāḥ)","symbolic karmic chain/serpent (allegorical)","distant divine radiance (suggesting Viṣṇu)"],"setting":"forest hermitage clearing with a small altar stone, scattered fallen leaves, and a quiet sky","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["midnight blue","silver white","smoldering amber","forest green","ash grey"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: three ascetics in symmetrical composition, gold-leaf aura above hinting at Viṣṇu’s grace; karmic chain rendered as ornate stylized serpent with gold accents; rich reds/greens in borders, devotional solemnity.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical night forest with cool blues; three ascetics with refined sorrowful faces; a translucent serpentine chain motif curling behind; a soft celestial glow above, minimalistic and poetic.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines; dramatic serpent-chain motif; ascetics with large expressive eyes and folded hands; flat pigments—deep blue background, red/yellow highlights—temple-wall aesthetic.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: confession scene framed by lotus and vine borders; karmic chain stylized as floral garland turning into a serpent; deep indigo cloth, gold dotted stars, devotional symbolism emphasizing release through bhakti."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["night insects","soft tanpura drone","distant temple bell","long pauses","rustle of leaves"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कर्मबंधनात् = कर्म + बन्धनात् (समास); बहुशस्त्रयस्ते = बहुशः + त्रयः + ते (पदच्छेदः); योगपारगाः = योग + पारगाः (समास)
FAQs
It links desire (kāma) with karmic bondage (karma-bandhana), suggesting that acting under desire causes one to deviate from rightful duty and become bound by consequences.
The verse refers to “those three” (trayaḥ te) who are described as yogapāragāḥ—highly accomplished yogins. Their specific identities depend on the surrounding verses of Adhyāya 10.
Even the spiritually advanced can recognize and confess lapse from dharmic conduct; the verse encourages self-awareness, repentance, and re-alignment away from desire-driven action.