Shloka 85
इक्ष्वाकुवंश-प्रसङ्गः, पुरंजय-दैवसाहाय्य-कथा, युवनाश्व-मांधातृ-उत्पत्तिः, सौभरि-वैराग्योपदेशः
चीर्णं तपो यत् तु जलाश्रयेण तस्यर्द्धिर् एषा तपसो ऽन्तरायः मत्स्यस्य सङ्गाद् अभवच् च यो मे सुतादिरागो मुषितो ऽस्मि तेन
cīrṇaṃ tapo yat tu jalāśrayeṇa tasyarddhir eṣā tapaso 'ntarāyaḥ matsyasya saṅgād abhavac ca yo me sutādirāgo muṣito 'smi tena
The austerity I performed while dwelling in the waters—this very attainment has become an obstacle to that tapas. For through my association with the fish, attachment arose in me, beginning with the longing for a “son”; and by that I have been robbed of my former detachment.
A renunciant/ascetic figure within the narrative (as recounted by Sage Parāśara to Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: How siddhi/attainment and unusual circumstances can become obstacles (antarāya) when they generate attachment
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: compassionate
Concept: Even the ‘success’ of austerity can obstruct austerity when it breeds attachment—here, association gives rise to longing for progeny and steals detachment.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Treat spiritual progress and abilities as instruments for humility and service; watch for subtle cravings (recognition, legacy, control) that hijack practice.
Vishishtadvaita: True spiritual attainment culminates in surrender (śaraṇāgati) rather than self-appropriation of merit; detachment is safeguarded by offering fruits to the Lord.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
The verse warns that even a small companionship can seed rāga (attachment), which then disrupts tapas and inner steadiness.
Through a narrative confession: success in austerity can itself become a trap when it leads to new desires, especially family-oriented longing that pulls the mind outward.
Implicitly, the teaching aligns with Vaiṣṇava dharma: turning from binding desires toward the Supreme Reality (Vishnu) requires vigilance against rāga that diverts devotion and discipline.