Shloka 30
Sāṅkhya: Categories of the Absolute Truth and the Unfolding of Creation
Tattva-vicāra
संशयोऽथ विपर्यासो निश्चय: स्मृतिरेव च । स्वाप इत्युच्यते बुद्धेर्लक्षणं वृत्तित: पृथक् ॥ ३० ॥
saṁśayo ’tha viparyāso niścayaḥ smṛtir eva ca svāpa ity ucyate buddher lakṣaṇaṁ vṛttitaḥ pṛthak
សង្ស័យ ការយល់ច្រឡំ ការយល់ត្រឹមត្រូវ ស្មৃতি និងការគេង—តាមមុខងារផ្សេងៗគ្នា—ត្រូវបានហៅថា ជាលក្ខណៈដាច់ដោយឡែកនៃបុទ្ធិ។
Doubt is one of the important functions of intelligence; blind acceptance of something does not give evidence of intelligence. Therefore the word saṁśaya is very important; in order to cultivate intelligence, one should be doubtful in the beginning. But doubting is not very favorable when information is received from the proper source. In Bhagavad-gītā the Lord says that doubting the words of the authority is the cause of destruction.
FAQs
In this verse, Lord Kapila lists buddhi’s distinct operations as doubt, misapprehension, ascertainment, memory, and sleep—each recognized by its specific function.
Kapila teaches Devahūti Sāṅkhya analysis so she can discern the workings of inner instruments (like buddhi) and thereby progress toward liberation through clear discrimination.
By noticing whether you are in doubt, mistaken perception, clear decision, recollection, or dullness/sleepiness, you can correct your state—seeking clarity, सत्य (truth), and steadiness through sādhana and devotion.