Shloka 61
Sat-saṅga, Dharma-Nīti, Karma-Phala, Śauca, and Vairāgya
Overcoming Grief
सर्वं परवशं दुः खं सर्व मात्मवशं सुखम् / एतद्विद्यात्समासेन लक्षणं सुखदुः खयोः
sarvaṃ paravaśaṃ duḥ khaṃ sarva mātmavaśaṃ sukham / etadvidyātsamāsena lakṣaṇaṃ sukhaduḥ khayoḥ
ಪರವಶದಲ್ಲಿರುವುದೆಲ್ಲ ದುಃಖ; ಆತ್ಮವಶದಲ್ಲಿರುವುದೆಲ್ಲ ಸುಖ. ಸಂಕ್ಷೇಪವಾಗಿ ಇದೇ ಸುಖದುಃಖಗಳ ಲಕ್ಷಣವೆಂದು ತಿಳಿಯಬೇಕು।
Lord Vishnu (in discourse to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Paravashatva (being under others’ control) is duhkha; atmavashatva (self-governance) is sukha—this is the concise mark of both.
Vedantic Theme: Indriya-nigraha and manonigraha as inner freedom; true autonomy is mastery of mind rather than external dominance.
Application: Build self-control: regulate speech, habits, and reactions; reduce dependency on approval; cultivate inner locus of control through practice and reflection.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.113.58-60 (nirvriti; attachment as root of sorrow; body as locus of experience)
FAQs
This verse defines happiness itself as being self-governed; it presents self-control as the core mark (lakṣaṇa) of sukha and dependence as the root of duḥkha.
By stressing inner mastery over dependence, it supports the broader Purāṇic ethic that the jīva’s bondage is intensified by helplessness and attachment, while liberation-oriented living begins with self-governance.
Reduce compulsive dependence (on cravings, approval, or harmful company) and cultivate disciplined choices—speech, habits, and duties—so daily life becomes more ‘ātmavaśa’ and therefore more peaceful.