Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 94
Pitṛmātṛtīrtha Greatness & the Discourse on Embodiment: Karma, Birth, Impurity, and Dispassion
सोतिक्रामति संसारं दृढग्राहोवतिष्ठति । एवमेतन्महाकष्टं जन्मदुःखं प्रकीर्तितम्
sotikrāmati saṃsāraṃ dṛḍhagrāhovatiṣṭhati | evametanmahākaṣṭaṃ janmaduḥkhaṃ prakīrtitam
Demikianlah seseorang menyeberangi saṃsāra dan tetap teguh bersemayam dengan azam yang kukuh. Dengan cara inilah kesusahan besar—duka yang tersirat dalam kelahiran—telah dinyatakan.
Unspecified (narrative voice within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue context)
Concept: With firm grasp and resolve, one transcends saṃsāra; birth itself is declared a great sorrow to be overcome.
Application: Choose one core practice and hold it steadily (daily nāma-japa, ekādaśī discipline, sat-saṅga); treat setbacks as waves, not as reasons to abandon the path.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A lone sādhaka stands on a rocky shore facing a vast, dark ocean labeled ‘saṃsāra,’ gripping a staff like an anchor of resolve. A luminous path of lotus-steps appears across the waves, leading toward a distant, radiant Viṣṇu-temple silhouette on the far shore, symbolizing liberation beyond birth-sorrow.","primary_figures":["a steadfast sādhaka (seeker)","Vishnu as distant radiant presence"],"setting":"mythic seashore-as-metaphor with lotus-steps over water, far-shore temple glow","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["midnight blue","lotus pink","radiant gold","storm gray","white foam"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a determined sādhaka at the edge of a stylized ocean of saṃsāra, lotus-steps forming a golden path to a distant Viṣṇu shrine; heavy gold leaf for the far-shore radiance and halos, rich crimson and emerald accents, ornate borders with lotus and conch motifs.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical seascape with cool blues and silvery waves; a solitary seeker with calm courage; a faint golden temple on the horizon; delicate brushwork, refined faces, soft atmospheric perspective, symbolic lotus trail across water.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, dramatic ocean bands, the seeker’s firm stance; a glowing Viṣṇu aura on the far shore; red-yellow-green palette with deep blue sea, temple-wall composition and decorative borders.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central far-shore Viṣṇu radiance framed by lotus garlands; below, the ocean of saṃsāra with lotus motifs forming a crossing; intricate floral borders, conch and chakra patterns, deep indigo with gold highlights."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"dramatic","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["conch shell","ocean-like drone","temple bell swell","brief silence at cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोत्क्रामति = सः + उत्क्रामति; दृढग्राहोवतिष्ठति = दृढग्राहः + इव + अवतिष्ठति; एवमेतन्महाकष्टं = एवम् + एतत् + महाकष्टम्.
FAQs
It frames birth (janma) as inherently painful (duḥkha) and points to transcending saṃsāra by remaining firmly established in resolute spiritual understanding or practice.
It implies unwavering determination—holding firmly to a liberating insight, vow, discipline, or devotion—so that one does not relapse into habitual worldly attachments.
Recognize the recurring dissatisfaction of worldly cycles and cultivate steadiness—consistent restraint, clarity, and commitment to a liberating path—rather than being pulled by fleeting desires.