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
సమృద్ధిని కోరువాడు ఈ ఐదుగురిని విశేషంగా పూజించాలి—తండ్రి మరియు తల్లి, ఆ ఇద్దరూ స్థిరంగా నిర్వికారులుగా ఉన్నంతవరకు.
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.