Shloka 37
स्वाध्याय-योगोपदेशः तथा केशिध्वज-खाण्डिक्य-उपाख्यानम्
Yoga through Study and Restraint; The Keśidhvaja–Khāṇḍikya Narrative Frame
यथार्हम् अत्र लोकस्य मया सर्वं विचेष्टितम् अनिष्पन्नक्रियं चेतस् तथापि मम किं यथा
yathārham atra lokasya mayā sarvaṃ viceṣṭitam aniṣpannakriyaṃ cetas tathāpi mama kiṃ yathā
In this world I have exerted myself in every way befitting my station; yet my mind remains as though my aims were unfulfilled. Even so—what is there for me to gain, and how could it be otherwise?
Uncertain (likely a reflective speaker within the Ansha 6 discourse as narrated by Sage Parāśara to Maitreya)
Concept: Even when one acts fittingly in the world, the mind may remain unfulfilled—hinting that worldly achievement cannot complete the soul’s aim.
Vedantic Theme: Moksha
Application: Notice persistent dissatisfaction as a cue to re-evaluate goals and cultivate detachment, redirecting life toward lasting spiritual ends.
Vishishtadvaita: Finite selves (cit) cannot be finally satisfied by material ends; fulfillment lies in relation to the Supreme Person who is the inner goal beyond karma.
Vishnu Form: Para-Brahman
Bhakti Type: shanta
FAQs
It highlights that worldly effort, even when appropriate and diligent, often fails to satisfy the mind; this becomes a prompt toward detachment and liberation-focused inquiry.
Through reflective statements like this, the teaching frames dissatisfaction as intrinsic to worldly pursuit, steering the listener toward steadiness, discernment, and ultimately dependence on the Supreme (Viṣṇu) rather than outcomes.
The verse supports the Vaishnava conclusion that fulfillment is not secured by mere human striving; lasting completion belongs to alignment with, and refuge in, Viṣṇu as the supreme ground of order and liberation.