Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 78
Womb-Suffering and the Path to Liberation
Dialogue of Wisdom, Meditation, and Discernment
सर्वस्य व्यापकः स्वामी अयमात्मा ममैव च । पंचतत्त्वैः समाविष्टो ज्ञानध्यानविवर्जितः
sarvasya vyāpakaḥ svāmī ayamātmā mamaiva ca | paṃcatattvaiḥ samāviṣṭo jñānadhyānavivarjitaḥ
یہی آتما سب پر محیط مالک ہے—اور میری اپنی آتما بھی؛ مگر پانچ تتّوں میں گھِر کر یہ معرفت اور دھیان سے محروم رہتی ہے۔
Unclear from single-verse context (likely a narrator/teacher voice within the Bhūmi-khaṇḍa dialogue frame).
Concept: The Self is all-pervading and lordly in essence, yet appears ignorant when enclosed/identified with the five elements; knowledge and meditation are the remedy.
Application: Practice daily ‘deha-buddhi’ interruption: before reacting, recall ‘I am not merely the elements’; add a short dhyāna on Nārāyaṇa as antaryāmin and offer actions as seva.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A translucent human silhouette contains swirling layers of earth, water, fire, air, and ether like concentric veils. Behind and through it shines an all-pervading, calm presence—suggested as a vast Nārāyaṇa-like light—while the figure’s eyes are closed, indicating ‘knowledge and meditation absent’.","primary_figures":["Ātman (as luminous presence)","Embodied jīva (as elemental-sheathed figure)","Subtle hint of Nārāyaṇa/Paramātmā (as omnipresent radiance)"],"setting":"Cosmic interior space—like a mandala within the body—elements floating as textures (stone, wave, flame, breeze, starry ether).","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","etherial white","amber flame","sea green","earth ochre"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: central elemental-sheathed figure with embossed gold-leaf aura representing the all-pervading Self; five element motifs rendered as ornate patterns (waves, flames, clouds), jewel-toned reds/greens, traditional halo geometry, rich gold highlights emphasizing ‘svāmī’ (lordly) essence.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: lyrical depiction of a transparent figure with delicate washes showing the five elements inside; a serene, pervasive light suffuses the scene; cool blues and soft ochres, refined facial features with contemplative stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized figure with bold outlines, five-element icons arranged around/within the torso, large calm eyes half-closed; background filled with rhythmic patterns, natural pigment palette with strong reds/yellows/greens and a bright central aura.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: mandala-like composition with lotus rosettes and elemental emblems; central figure framed by floral borders; upper register shows a subtle Śrīhari symbol (śaṅkha-cakra) radiating through all; deep blue ground with gold and white detailing."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","faint temple bell","long pauses","gentle breath-like wind"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अयमात्मा = अयम् + आत्मा; ममैव = मम + एव.
FAQs
It presents the ātman as the all-pervading lord present in everyone, affirming universality while also stressing intimate identity (“my very own Self”).
They are earth, water, fire, air, and space; the verse says the Self appears “enclosed” by these material constituents, which explains embodied limitation and spiritual obscuration.
It implies that identification with material embodiment leads to a lack of true insight and contemplative awareness, encouraging a disciplined turn toward jñāna (right knowledge) and dhyāna (meditation).