Shloka 9
Dharma of the Renunciant: Alms Discipline, Meditation, and Expiations
आत्मानं सर्वभूतानां परस्तात्तमसः स्थितम् । सर्वस्याधारमव्यक्तमानंदं ज्योतिरव्ययम्
ātmānaṃ sarvabhūtānāṃ parastāttamasaḥ sthitam | sarvasyādhāramavyaktamānaṃdaṃ jyotiravyayam
स एव सर्वभूतानामात्मा, तमसः परस्तात् स्थितः। सर्वस्याधारोऽव्यक्तः, आनन्दस्वरूपो ज्योतिरव्ययः।
Unspecified (verse context not provided; likely narration within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue framework of the Padma Purāṇa)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: celestial_realm
Sandhi Resolution Notes: परस्तात्तमसः = परस्तात् + तमसः; सर्वस्याधारम् = सर्वस्य + आधारम्; आधारमव्यक्तम् = आधारम् + अव्यक्तम्; अव्यक्तमानंदं = अव्यक्तम् + आनन्दम्; ज्योतिरव्ययम् = ज्योतिः + अव्ययम्
FAQs
It describes the Supreme Reality as the inner Self of all beings—beyond ignorance (tamas), the unmanifest foundation of everything, characterized as bliss and imperishable light.
The language aligns with Vedāntic descriptions of Brahman/Paramātman (unmanifest, changeless, luminous, blissful). In Vaishnava readings, these qualities are often understood as attributes of the Supreme Lord as the ultimate support and indwelling Self.
By recognizing the same Self as present in all beings and as transcending darkness (ignorance), one is guided toward inner clarity, reverence for life, and spiritual practice aimed at realizing that imperishable ground.