Shloka 9
Hari in the Primeval Waters: Prakṛti as Veil, the ‘Sleep’ Metaphor, and Brahmā’s Lotus-Channel Inquiry
एका तु नित्यसंसारा त्वजशब्दाभिधायिका / द्वितीया तु तमो ऽपोह्या अजशब्दाभिधायिका
ekā tu nityasaṃsārā tvajaśabdābhidhāyikā / dvitīyā tu tamo 'pohyā ajaśabdābhidhāyikā
L’une (puissance) est le cycle sans fin du saṃsāra, désigné par l’expression « tva-ja ». La seconde est celle par laquelle l’obscurité est ôtée, désignée par l’expression « a-ja ».
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Two 'ajā'-designated principles: one binds through endless saṃsāra; the other dispels tamas/ignorance. The verse plays on phonetic segmentation (tva-ja / a-ja) to teach discrimination.
Vedantic Theme: Avidyā (tamas) as the cause of bondage; vidyā/light as the remover; liberation via discernment of the two forces operating in the psyche.
Application: Track what perpetuates cycles (craving, aversion, inertia) versus what dispels darkness (study, meditation, devotion, sattvic conduct); deliberately choose the latter daily.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: recurring motif of tamas leading to bondage and knowledge/devotion leading to release
FAQs
This verse contrasts ongoing saṃsāra with the principle that removes tamas, implying that spiritual progress requires the dispelling of ignorance rather than remaining bound to cyclical worldly existence.
It frames two orientations: one that perpetuates repeated worldly continuity (saṃsāra) and another that removes inner darkness (tamas), pointing toward clarity and liberation as the soul’s corrective direction.
Cultivate practices that reduce ignorance—study, reflection, ethical living, and devotion—so life moves from repetitive craving-driven cycles toward clarity and freedom.