Shloka 38
Teaching on Karma-yoga
Discipline of Action as Worship
पूजनीया विशेषेण पंचैते भूतिमिच्छता । यावत्पिता च माता च द्वावेतौ निर्विकारिणौ
pūjanīyā viśeṣeṇa paṃcaite bhūtimicchatā | yāvatpitā ca mātā ca dvāvetau nirvikāriṇau
ਜੋ ਭੂਤੀ (ਸਮ੍ਰਿੱਧੀ) ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਪੰਜਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਰੂਪ ਨਾਲ ਪੂਜੇ—ਜਦ ਤੱਕ ਪਿਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਤਾ, ਉਹ ਦੋਵੇਂ, ਅਡੋਲ ਤੇ ਅਖੰਡ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ।
Unspecified (context-dependent within Svargakhaṇḍa 3.51; likely a narrator/teacher voice continuing an ethical instruction)
Concept: Prosperity (bhūti) arises from special reverence to foundational objects of worship, foremost the steadfast parents while they remain capable and present.
Application: Treat care for parents as a daily sādhana: respectful speech, attentive service, medical support, and prioritizing their wellbeing before optional pursuits.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene household shrine space where a young son offers water and flowers at the feet of his seated parents, who appear calm and ‘unimpaired’—steady like two living pillars of dharma. In the background, a subtle Vishnu-lotus motif glows on a wall tapestry, suggesting that honoring parents is itself a form of worship that brings prosperity.","primary_figures":["devoted son","mother (mātā)","father (pitā)","subtle Vishnu symbol (lotus/śaṅkha-cakra)"],"setting":"clean courtyard of a traditional Vaiṣṇava home with a small tulasī platform and lamp-lit alcove","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["lotus pink","saffron gold","deep indigo","ivory white","leaf green"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a dignified mother and father seated on a low wooden āsana, the son offering arghya and flowers; ornate arch framing them like living deities, gold leaf halos subtly behind the parents, rich red and emerald textiles, gem-studded jewelry, a small tulasī maṇḍapa at the side, South Indian iconographic symmetry and devotional stillness.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate courtyard scene with delicate brushwork—son bowing to parents, soft facial expressions, patterned shawls, a small tulasī planter, distant pale hills and a quiet sky; cool yet warm palette, lyrical naturalism, fine linework on garments and jewelry.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, stylized large eyes, parents enthroned like pratyakṣa-devatā, son in añjali offering; flat temple-wall composition with red/yellow/green dominance, lamp flames and lotus motifs, dignified calm expressions.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central motif of parents as honored figures on a lotus-like pedestal, son offering garlands; intricate floral borders with tulasī leaves, peacocks at corners, deep blue background with gold highlights, devotional symmetry reminiscent of Nathdwara aesthetics (Vishnu presence implied through symbols)."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","gentle lamp crackle","distant birds","quiet household ambience"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पंचैते = पञ्च + एते; भूतिमिच्छता = भूतिम् + इच्छता; यावत्पिता = यावत् + पिता; द्वावेतौ = द्वौ + एतौ.
FAQs
This line states “these five” but only explicitly names father and mother here; the full list requires the immediately surrounding verses of Adhyaya 51 to identify all five.
It links “bhūti” (welfare/prosperity) with reverence toward foundational ethical relationships—especially service and honor toward one’s parents.
That honoring and caring for parents is a primary, steady duty; it is presented as a direct means to well-being and moral flourishing.