Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 60
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
क्षुत्पिपासे तत: स्यातां समुद्रस्त्वेतयोरभूत् । अथास्य हृदयं भिन्नं हृदयान्मन उत्थितम् ॥ ६० ॥
kṣut-pipāse tataḥ syātāṁ samudras tv etayor abhūt athāsya hṛdayaṁ bhinnaṁ hṛdayān mana utthitam
Puis naquirent la faim et la soif, et dans leur sillage se manifesta l’existence des océans. Alors le cœur se manifesta, et à la suite du cœur apparut le mental.
The ocean is considered to be the presiding deity of the abdomen, where the feelings of hunger and thirst originate. When there is an irregularity in hunger and thirst, one is advised, according to Āyurvedic treatment, to take a bath in the ocean.
FAQs
This verse states that when the heart (hṛdaya) became differentiated in the cosmic manifestation, the mind (manaḥ) arose from the heart.
In Kapila’s description of sequential creation, hunger and thirst are manifested as fundamental drives, and from these two the ocean is said to arise—showing how macrocosmic features are linked to subtle principles.
It reminds a seeker that strong urges like hunger and thirst belong to material nature; by observing them and anchoring the mind in devotion, one can cultivate detachment and steadiness in bhakti.