Shloka 95
The Tale of Sukalā: Testing Pativratā Fidelity and the Body-as-House Teaching
आकृष्टः स समानेन नीतस्तेनापि वायुना । स्थानं न लभते वीर्यं चंचलत्वेन वर्तते
ākṛṣṭaḥ sa samānena nītastenāpi vāyunā | sthānaṃ na labhate vīryaṃ caṃcalatvena vartate
Hinila ng hiningang papaloob at tinatangay ng gayong hangin, walang matatag na tuntungan; ang lakas-buhay ay gumagala sa pagkabalisa.
Unspecified (context not provided; likely within the Pulastya–Bhīṣma dialogue of the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa)
Concept: Restless prāṇa (inner wind) prevents steadiness; stability arises from disciplined regulation and devotion-oriented restraint.
Application: Practice steadiness through regulated breath, measured speech, and fixed daily sādhana (japa, nāma-smaraṇa, ekādaśī discipline) to prevent being ‘carried’ by impulses.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A solitary sādhaka sits on kusa grass at the edge of a quiet riverbank, yet translucent currents of wind spiral around his chest and head, tugging him in different directions. His feet hover slightly above the ground, symbolizing ‘no stable footing,’ while a distant Viṣṇu shrine glows steadily, offering a point of inner anchoring.","primary_figures":["a sādhaka (ascetic devotee)","subtle prāṇa-vāyu personified as swirling currents","a distant Viṣṇu murti (symbolic)"],"setting":"riverbank with a small stone Viṣṇu shrine, banyan shade, scattered lotus leaves on water","lighting_mood":"forest dappled transitioning into divine radiance from the shrine","color_palette":["smoky teal","ash gray","lotus pink","lamp-flame gold","deep indigo"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: a seated sādhaka in yogic posture before a small Viṣṇu shrine, swirling prāṇa-winds rendered as stylized gold-leaf spirals around the torso; rich maroon background, emerald borders, heavy gold leaf halo around the shrine lamp, gem-studded ornaments on the Viṣṇu icon, traditional South Indian iconography with crisp symmetry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a contemplative ascetic by a gentle river, delicate pale-blue wind ribbons encircling him, distant temple on a hill; cool mountain palette, lyrical trees and birds, refined facial features, subtle shading, quiet narrative mood of inner struggle.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines of the sādhaka and stylized vāyu-deities as curling motifs, temple lamp-lit Viṣṇu shrine in the background; natural pigments with dominant ochres, reds, greens; large expressive eyes, rhythmic ornamental clouds of wind.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central motif of a steady glowing Viṣṇu shrine framed by lotus borders; the devotee below with swirling wind patterns like floral arabesques; deep blue ground, gold highlights, intricate vines, peacocks near the water, devotional stillness contrasted with patterned motion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft temple bells","flowing water","long silences between pādas","gentle tanpura drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: नीतस्तेनापि → नीतः + तेन + अपि; (no other mandatory sandhi splits).
FAQs
It links unstable, restless motion of vital energy (vīrya/prāṇa) with an inability to “find a place” (sthāna)—a metaphor for lacking inner steadiness or groundedness.
Samāna is one of the five principal vāyus (vital winds) in yogic physiology, associated with inward balancing and digestion; here it represents a force that draws and moves the energy within.
Without steadiness and discipline, one’s energy disperses into agitation; cultivating stability (through restraint, attention, and breath regulation) supports clarity and purposeful action.