Shloka 60
Sat-saṅga, Dharma-Nīti, Karma-Phala, Śauca, and Vairāgya
Overcoming Grief
शरीरमेवायतनं दुः खस्य च सुखस्य च / जीवितञ्च शरीरञ्च जात्यैव सह जायते
śarīramevāyatanaṃ duḥ khasya ca sukhasya ca / jīvitañca śarīrañca jātyaiva saha jāyate
शरीरमेव दुःखस्य सुखस्य चायतनम्; जीवितं शरीरं च जात्यैव सह जायते।
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: The body is the locus (ayatana) where sukha and duhkha are experienced; life and body arise together with birth.
Vedantic Theme: Kshetra (field/body) as site of experience; discrimination between embodied experience and the witnessing self is implied.
Application: Care for the body as an instrument without identity-clinging; observe sensations as transient; cultivate balanced living and contemplative detachment.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.113.61 (self-control as sukha)
FAQs
This verse states that the body is the primary locus where both pleasure and suffering are experienced, making embodiment central to karmic experience.
It frames sukha and duḥkha as experiences that occur through embodiment—life and body arise together at birth, enabling the results of karma to be felt.
Treat the body as a responsible instrument: pursue dharma, avoid harmful actions that create future suffering, and cultivate disciplines that reduce attachment to bodily pleasure and pain.