Shloka 64
The Greatness of Avimukta (Kāśī/Vārāṇasī) and the Doctrine of Liberation-in-One-Life
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन वाराणस्यां वसेन्नरः । योगी वाप्यथवायोगी पापी वा पुण्यकृत्तमः
tasmātsarvaprayatnena vārāṇasyāṃ vasennaraḥ | yogī vāpyathavāyogī pāpī vā puṇyakṛttamaḥ
तस्मात् सर्वप्रयत्नेन वाराणस्यां वसेन्नरः—योगी वा अयोगी वा, पापी वा पुण्यकृत्तमः।
Unspecified (narratorial/teaching voice within the chapter context)
Concept: Kṣetra-vāsa (dwelling in a liberating place) is a powerful sādhanā accessible to all, transcending social/spiritual categories.
Application: Choose environments that elevate conduct: keep company with sādhus, adopt daily worship, reduce harmful habits; if not physically in Kāśī, create ‘Kāśī within’ by regular japa, tīrtha-smaraṇa, and disciplined living.
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: city
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A wide procession enters Vārāṇasī: a yogin with matted locks, a householder with family, a repentant sinner with bowed head, and a generous donor carrying offerings—each walking the same stone lane toward a Gaṅgā-side shrine. Above them, the city’s air shimmers with sanctity, suggesting that the kṣetra receives all who strive.","primary_figures":["yogin","householder (gṛhastha)","repentant sinner (pāpī)","meritorious donor (puṇyakṛt)","priests and sages (background)"],"setting":"Narrow lanes opening to ghāṭas; shrine entrance with garlands; Gaṅgā visible beyond steps; city life blended with sacred calm.","lighting_mood":"temple lamp-lit","color_palette":["vermillion","smoke-gray","brass gold","midnight blue","marigold orange"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: inclusive Kāśī pilgrimage scene—multiple archetypes (yogin, gṛhastha, penitent, donor) converging at a shrine by the Gaṅgā; gold leaf on temple lamps, jewelry, and archways; rich reds/greens, ornate borders, stylized architecture, devotional symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a gentle narrative tableau of varied pilgrims walking through Kāśī lanes toward the river; delicate linework, soft shadows, cool stone hues, lyrical sky; refined expressions showing resolve and humility; small details like garlands, bells, and boats.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: frontal grouping of four archetypal figures representing ‘yogī/ayogī/pāpī/puṇyakṛt’; bold outlines, flat yet vibrant pigments; a stylized Gaṅgā band and temple lamps; ornamental frame with lotus and conch motifs.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: Kāśī rendered as a sacred mandala—ghāṭas and temples encircling a central lotus; pilgrims in rhythmic procession; intricate floral borders, peacocks on rooftops, deep blues and gold; subtle śaṅkha-cakra patterns indicating Viṣṇu’s shelter for all."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Desh","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["temple bells","street footsteps","chanting chorus","conch shell","river breeze"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन = तस्मात् + सर्वप्रयत्नेन; वसेन्नरः = वसेत् + नरः; वापि = वा + अपि; अथवायोगी = अथवा + अयोगी; पुण्यकृत्तमः = पुण्यकृत् + तमः
FAQs
It advises that one should make every effort to reside in Vārāṇasī (Kāśī), presenting it as spiritually beneficial regardless of one’s current spiritual discipline or moral condition.
To emphasize the inclusivity and transformative sanctity attributed to Kāśī: it is recommended both for those seeking uplift from wrongdoing and for those already established in merit.
No. It distinguishes yogins from non-yogins, but still recommends residence in Kāśī for both—implying the place supports spiritual progress without claiming it automatically grants yogic perfection.