Shloka 53
Vishnu-sahasranāma-style Japa: Vishnu as Cosmic Cause and Inner Self
Antaryāmin
जिह्वायाः कारणं चैव प्राणस्यैव च कारणम् / हस्तयोः कारणं तद्वत्पादयोः कारणं तथा
jihvāyāḥ kāraṇaṃ caiva prāṇasyaiva ca kāraṇam / hastayoḥ kāraṇaṃ tadvatpādayoḥ kāraṇaṃ tathā
జిహ్వకు కూడా కారణం ఉంది, ప్రాణానికి కూడా కారణం ఉంది; అలాగే చేతులకు కారణం ఉంది, అలాగే పాదాలకు కూడా కారణం ఉంది.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: All faculties (speech-organs, prana, limbs) have a prior causal basis; the manifest depends on the subtle cause.
Vedantic Theme: Karya–karana-bhava (effect–cause relation); dependence of indriyas and prana on a subtler principle (antaryamin/Brahman).
Application: Contemplate the dependence of senses and prana to reduce ego-identification; practice pratyahara and mindful speech/breath as effects rooted in a deeper source.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Brahma-khanda/Adhyatma sections): recurring ‘kāraṇa’ lists of indriyas, devatas, and lokapalas as dependent effects; Garuda Purana: teachings on antaryamin and the subtle body (linga-sharira) as basis for organs
FAQs
This verse stresses that bodily faculties like speech/taste (tongue), prāṇa, and action-organs (hands and feet) arise from specific causes—implying an ordered, karma-linked formation rather than randomness.
By pointing to causes behind prāṇa and the organs, it supports the Garuda Purana’s broader teaching that the jīva carries subtle determinants (karma/saṃskāras) that shape embodiment and experience across transitions, including after death.
Treat speech, breath, and actions as accountable instruments: discipline the tongue (truthful, restrained speech), regulate prāṇa (steady living), and use hands/feet for dharmic deeds—since these faculties are tied to causal moral outcomes.