Padma Purana — Bhumi Khanda, Shloka 67
Womb-Suffering and the Path to Liberation
Dialogue of Wisdom, Meditation, and Discernment
वीतरागोस्मि भद्रं ते विवेको मम बांधवः । आत्मोवाच । कीदृशोऽसौ तव भ्राता विवेको नाम नामतः
vītarāgosmi bhadraṃ te viveko mama bāṃdhavaḥ | ātmovāca | kīdṛśo'sau tava bhrātā viveko nāma nāmataḥ
“Ta là Vītarāga, kẻ lìa mọi chấp trước—nguyện phúc lành đến với ngươi. Viveka (trí phân biệt) là người thân của ta.” Tự Ngã hỏi: “Người anh em của ngươi, kẻ mang danh ‘Viveka’, có dáng vẻ thế nào?”
Ātmā (the Self) [responding within a dialogue; prior speaker implied by verse]
Concept: Vairāgya (freedom from attachment) is stabilized by Viveka (discernment), which functions like a ‘kinsman’—an intimate support on the path to liberation.
Application: Before reacting, pause and ask: ‘Is this attachment-driven?’ Cultivate daily discrimination between the lasting (dharma, devotion) and the fleeting (status, craving).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An allegorical court of the inner world: the luminous Ātmā sits like a calm, radiant presence, while Vītarāga stands serene, palms joined, declaring freedom from attachment. In the air, the name ‘Viveka’ appears as a subtle, shining calligraphy, as if being summoned from within the heart-lotus.","primary_figures":["Ātmā (personified Self)","Vītarāga (personified detachment)","Viveka (discernment, implied presence)"],"setting":"Inner sanctum-like space resembling a temple-heart (hṛdaya-guhā), with a lotus motif and faint mandala geometry.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["pearl white","sapphire blue","lotus pink","soft gold","smoky violet"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Ātmā as a radiant, serene figure seated on a lotus-throne within a heart-temple mandala; Vītarāga standing with minimal ornaments, calm eyes; gold leaf haloing the figures, rich maroon and emerald borders, gem-studded arch, subtle Sanskrit calligraphy ‘विवेक’ floating like a mantra.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: a quiet interior pavilion symbolizing the heart-cave, delicate linework; Ātmā luminous and pale, Vītarāga in simple robes; cool blues and pinks, fine facial features, a lotus motif on the floor, airy negative space suggesting inwardness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold black outlines, Ātmā with large tranquil eyes and golden aura, Vītarāga in ochre garments; stylized lotus and mandala backdrop, red-yellow-green palette with restrained ornamentation to convey detachment.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: a central lotus-heart motif with ornate floral borders; instead of Krishna, a symbolic radiant Ātmā at center, Vītarāga at side; intricate tulasi and lotus patterns, deep indigo background with gold highlights, mantra-like script woven into the border."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["silence","soft temple bells","gentle tanpura drone"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vītarāgosmi = vītarāgaḥ + asmi; ātmovāca = ātmā + uvāca; kīdṛśo'sau = kīdṛśaḥ + asau.
FAQs
Viveka is ‘discernment’—the inner capacity to distinguish the eternal from the transient and right from wrong, presented here as a close ally or ‘kinsman’ of the speaker.
The verse praises non-attachment as a foundational virtue: when attachment and craving subside, discernment (viveka) becomes steady and guides conduct toward truth and restraint.
The dialogue uses kinship language to personify inner qualities. Calling Viveka a “brother” highlights intimacy and support—discernment is portrayed as a companion that sustains spiritual clarity.