Shloka 33
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
अर्थाश्रयत्वं शब्दस्य द्रष्टुर्लिङ्गत्वमेव च । तन्मात्रत्वं च नभसो लक्षणं कवयो विदु: ॥ ३३ ॥
arthāśrayatvaṁ śabdasya draṣṭur liṅgatvam eva ca tan-mātratvaṁ ca nabhaso lakṣaṇaṁ kavayo viduḥ
Les sages qui connaissent la vérité définissent le son comme le support du sens de l’objet, le signe de la présence d’un locuteur caché à la vue, et aussi la forme subtile (tanmātra) de l’éther.
It is very clear herein that as soon as we speak of hearing, there must be a speaker; without a speaker there is no question of hearing. Therefore the Vedic knowledge, which is known as śruti, or that which is received by hearing, is also called apauruṣa. Apauruṣa means “not spoken by any person materially created.” It is stated in the beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, tene brahma hṛdā. The sound of Brahman, or Veda, was first impregnated into the heart of Brahmā, the original learned man ( ādi-kavaye ). How did he become learned? Whenever there is learning, there must be a speaker and the process of hearing. But Brahmā was the first created being. Who spoke to him? Since no one was there, who was the spiritual master to give knowledge? He was the only living creature; therefore the Vedic knowledge was imparted within his heart by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is seated within everyone as Paramātmā. Vedic knowledge is understood to be spoken by the Supreme Lord, and therefore it is free from the defects of material understanding. Material understanding is defective. If we hear something from a conditioned soul, it is full of defects. All material and mundane information is tainted by illusion, error, cheating and imperfection of the senses. Because Vedic knowledge was imparted by the Supreme Lord, who is transcendental to material creation, it is perfect. If we receive that Vedic knowledge from Brahmā in disciplic succession, then we receive perfect knowledge.
FAQs
In Canto 3, Kapila explains that ether is characterized by sound resting in it; sound is the distinctive quality connected with ether among the elements.
Kapila instructs Devahuti in Sāṅkhya to help her discern spirit from matter—understanding the elements and their qualities supports detachment and devotion leading to liberation.
It encourages mindful engagement with sound—especially hearing and chanting sacred names—using sound as a spiritual aid rather than a distraction.