Shloka 88
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
विष्ठात्वं जायते शीघ्रं कृमिभिश्च भवेत्किल । तद्वद्दुःखकरं वापि निजरूपं परित्यजेत्
viṣṭhātvaṃ jāyate śīghraṃ kṛmibhiśca bhavetkila | tadvadduḥkhakaraṃ vāpi nijarūpaṃ parityajet
それはたちまち糞となり、また虫に満ちると言われる。同様に、自らのありさまが苦の因となるなら、その形を捨て去るべきである。
Unknown (context not provided; likely within the Bhīṣma–Pulastya dialogue framework of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Since the body rapidly becomes impure and worm-ridden, one should abandon identification with any condition that produces suffering and turn toward liberation.
Application: When a habit, identity, or attachment becomes a source of suffering, relinquish it deliberately and replace it with disciplined devotion and service.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An uncompromising allegory of impermanence: the human form is shown as transient matter destined for filth and worms, while a luminous path of devotion opens beyond it. The composition contrasts the dark, decaying lower plane with a serene upper plane where Vishnu’s symbol shines as refuge.","primary_figures":["allegorical human body (symbolic)","a renunciant teacher","a distant Vishnu emblem (shankha-chakra or four-armed form)"],"setting":"cremation-ground edge transitioning into a quiet riverbank of contemplation (symbolic threshold)","lighting_mood":"moonlit","color_palette":["charcoal black","bone white","cold silver","deep navy","aureate gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a moral-allegory panel—lower register shows the body’s inevitable impurity in symbolic, non-graphic form; upper register shows Vishnu’s radiant presence with gold leaf halo and shankha-chakra, a sage guiding the gaze upward; rich reds/greens framing, ornate borders, devotional didacticism with restrained depiction of decay.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: poetic allegory—night scene near a riverbank, a sage points to the moonlit truth of impermanence; decay suggested through subtle symbolism (withered garland, fallen petals) rather than gore; cool palette, delicate brushwork, contemplative mood.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: strong symbolic contrasts—dark lower band with stylized worm motifs, bright upper band with Vishnu iconography, bold outlines, natural pigments, temple-wall narrative clarity, large expressive eyes of the teacher conveying detachment.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional transformation—lower panel shows impermanence through fallen lotus petals and fading human silhouette; upper panel features Krishna/Vishnu amid lotus motifs, peacocks, and gold accents, intricate floral borders, deep blues and gold emphasizing refuge beyond decay."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell (soft, distant)","low drum heartbeat","night insects","long silence after the line"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: कृमिभिश्च = कृमिभिः + च; भवेत्किल = भवेत् + किल; तद्वद्दुःखकरं = तद्वत् + दुःखकरम्; वापि = वा + अपि
FAQs
It teaches dispassion: if a condition or attachment inevitably degrades and becomes a source of suffering, one should relinquish it.
It is a stark reminder of decay and impurity, used to break fascination with what seems desirable and to encourage renunciation of harmful attachments.
Evaluate habits, relationships, or pursuits by their long-term effect: if they lead to distress and degradation, choose to let them go in favor of what supports clarity and well-being.