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
زبان کا بھی سبب ہے اور پران (حیات بخش سانس) کا بھی سبب ہے؛ اسی طرح ہاتھوں کا سبب ہے اور ویسے ہی پاؤں کا بھی سبب ہے۔
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.