Shloka 18
Vidura’s Questions: How the Unchangeable Lord Relates to Māyā; Bhakti as the Remedy; Blueprint for the Coming Cosmology
अर्थाभावं विनिश्चित्य प्रतीतस्यापि नात्मन: । तां चापि युष्मच्चरणसेवयाहं पराणुदे ॥ १८ ॥
arthābhāvaṁ viniścitya pratītasyāpi nātmanaḥ tāṁ cāpi yuṣmac-caraṇa- sevayāhaṁ parāṇude
À présent je comprends avec certitude que cette manifestation matérielle, bien qu’elle paraisse réelle, est sans substance et n’appartient pas à l’ātman. En servant tes pieds, je pourrai renoncer à cette idée illusoire.
The sufferings of the conditioned soul are superficial and have no intrinsic value, like the cutting off of one’s head in a dream. Yet although this statement is theoretically very true, it is very difficult for the common man or the neophyte on the transcendental path to realize practically. However, by serving the feet of great transcendentalists like Maitreya Muni and by constantly associating with them, one is enabled to give up the false idea that the soul suffers from material pangs.
FAQs
This verse teaches that even after understanding the unreality of worldly perceptions, the final clearing of misconception is achieved through devoted service to the Lord’s lotus feet.
Vidura expresses his determination to overcome residual illusion and requests guidance, indicating that bhakti—service to the Lord’s feet—is his chosen means while hearing from Maitreya.
Pair discernment (seeing what is temporary) with steady devotional practice—regular hearing, chanting, and service—so that intellectual understanding becomes lived freedom from anxiety and attachment.