महाभारतः mahābhārataḥ - book-12, chapter-184, verse-8

home » Scriptures Library » Mahabharata

View complete chapter

भृगुरुवाच ।
पूर्वमेव भगवता लोकहितमनुतिष्ठता धर्मसंरक्षणार्थमाश्रमाश्चत्वारोऽभिनिर्दिष्टाः ।
तत्र गुरुकुलवासमेव तावत्प्रथममाश्रममुदाहरन्ति ।
सम्यगत्र शौचसंस्कारविनयनियमप्रणीतो विनीतात्मा उभे संध्ये भास्कराग्निदैवतान्युपस्थाय विहाय तन्द्रालस्ये गुरोरभिवादनवेदाभ्यासश्रवणपवित्रीकृतान्तरात्मा त्रिषवणमुपस्पृश्य ब्रह्मचर्याग्निपरिचरणगुरुशुश्रूषानित्यो भैक्षादिसर्वनिवेदितान्तरात्मा गुरुवचननिर्देशानुष्ठानाप्रतिकूलो गुरुप्रसादलब्धस्वाध्यायतत्परः स्यात् ॥८॥

8. bhṛguruvāca ,
pūrvameva bhagavatā lokahitamanutiṣṭhatā dharmasaṁrakṣaṇārthamāśramāścatvāro'bhinirdiṣṭāḥ ,
tatra gurukulavāsameva tāvatprathamamāśramamudāharanti ,
samyagatra śaucasaṁskāravinayaniyamapraṇīto vinītātmā ubhe saṁdhye bhāskarāgnidaivatānyupasthāya vihāya tandrālasye gurorabhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātmā triṣavaṇamupaspṛśya brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānityo bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātmā guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūlo guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatparaḥ syāt.

8. bhṛguḥ uvāca pūrvam eva bhagavatā lokahitam anutiṣṭhatā dharmasaṃrakṣaṇārtham āśramāḥ catvāraḥ abhinirdiṣṭāḥ tatra gurukulavāsam
eva tāvat prathamam āśramam udāharanti samyak atra śaucasaṃskāravinayaniyamapraṇītaḥ vinītātmā ubhe saṃdhye bhāskarāgnidaivatāni
upasthāya vihāya tandrālasye guroḥ abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātmā triṣavaṇam upaspṛśya
brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānityaḥ bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātmā guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūlaḥ guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatparaḥ syāt

8. bhṛguḥ uvāca pūrvam eva lokahitam anutiṣṭhatā bhagavatā dharmasaṃrakṣaṇārtham catvāraḥ āśramāḥ abhinirdiṣṭāḥ tatra tāvat
gurukulavāsam eva prathamam āśramam udāharanti atra samyak śaucasaṃskāravinayaniyamapraṇītaḥ vinītātmā ubhe saṃdhye bhāskarāgnidaivatāni
upasthāya tandrālasye vihāya guroḥ abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātmā triṣavaṇam upaspṛśya
brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānityaḥ bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātmā guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūlaḥ guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatparaḥ syāt

8. Bhṛgu said: "Indeed, by the revered one (the Lord), who was always devoted to the welfare of the world, four stages of life (āśrama) were designated for the sake of preserving natural law (dharma). Among these, they first declare residence in the teacher's (guru) household (gurukula) to be the initial stage of life (āśrama). In this stage, a student should be one whose self (ātman) is disciplined, properly guided by purity, training (saṃskāra), humility, and rules. They should worship the deities of the sun and fire at both twilight times, having cast aside lethargy and idleness. Their inner self (antarātman) should be purified by saluting the teacher (guru), studying the Vedas, and listening to teachings. They should bathe thrice daily and be constantly devoted to celibacy (brahmacarya), tending the sacred fire, and serving the teacher (guru). Their inner self (antarātman) should be entirely dedicated (to the teacher) through begging for alms and other duties, not opposing the instructions and commands of the teacher (guru). They should diligently engage in self-study (svādhyāya) obtained through the grace of the teacher (guru)."

Words meanings summery:

(Scroll down for elaborated words morphology)

भृगुः (bhṛguḥ) - Bhṛgu (name of a sage)

उवाच (uvāca) - said, spoke

पूर्वम् (pūrvam) - before, formerly, previously

एव (eva) - indeed, only, just

भगवता (bhagavatā) - by the revered one, by the Lord

लोकहितम् (lokahitam) - welfare of the world, benefit of people

अनुतिष्ठता (anutiṣṭhatā) - by one who practices, by one who is devoted to

धर्मसंरक्षणार्थम् (dharmasaṁrakṣaṇārtham) - for the sake of preserving natural law (dharma)

आश्रमाः (āśramāḥ) - stages of life (āśramas), hermitages

चत्वारः (catvāraḥ) - four

अभिनिर्दिष्टाः (abhinirdiṣṭāḥ) - designated, prescribed, ordained

तत्र (tatra) - there, among them

गुरुकुलवासम् (gurukulavāsam) - residence in the teacher's (guru) household (gurukula)

एव (eva) - indeed, only, just

तावत् (tāvat) - first of all, to that extent

प्रथमम् (prathamam) - first, foremost

आश्रमम् (āśramam) - stage of life (āśrama), hermitage

उदाहरन्ति (udāharanti) - they declare, they state, they give as an example

सम्यक् (samyak) - properly, thoroughly, completely

अत्र (atra) - here, in this (stage of life)

शौचसंस्कारविनयनियमप्रणीतः (śaucasaṁskāravinayaniyamapraṇītaḥ) - one who is well-disciplined by purity, purificatory rites (saṃskāra), humility, and rules

विनीतात्मा (vinītātmā) - one with a disciplined self (ātman)

उभे (ubhe) - both

संध्ये (saṁdhye) - twilight times (morning and evening)

भास्कराग्निदैवतानि (bhāskarāgnidaivatāni) - deities of the sun and fire

उपस्थाय (upasthāya) - having approached, having worshipped

विहाय (vihāya) - having abandoned, having left, having discarded

तन्द्रालस्ये (tandrālasye) - lethargy and idleness

गुरोः (guroḥ) - of the teacher (guru), from the teacher

अभिवादनवेदाभ्यासश्रवणपवित्रीकृतान्तरात्मा (abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātmā) - one whose inner self (antarātman) is purified by salutation, study of Vedas, and listening

त्रिषवणम् (triṣavaṇam) - thrice daily, at three ablution times

उपस्पृश्य (upaspṛśya) - having touched (water), having bathed

ब्रह्मचर्याग्निपरिचरणगुरुशुश्रूषानित्यः (brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānityaḥ) - constantly devoted to celibacy (brahmacarya), tending the sacred fire, and serving the teacher (guru)

भैक्षादिसर्वनिवेदितान्तरात्मा (bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātmā) - one whose inner self (antarātman) is entirely dedicated (to the guru) through begging for alms and other duties

गुरुवचननिर्देशानुष्ठानाप्रतिकूलः (guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūlaḥ) - not opposing the instructions and commands of the teacher (guru)

गुरुप्रसादलब्धस्वाध्यायतत्परः (guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatparaḥ) - diligently engaged in self-study (svādhyāya) obtained through the grace of the teacher (guru)

स्यात् (syāt) - may be, should be, let him be

Words meanings and morphology

भृगुः (bhṛguḥ) - Bhṛgu (name of a sage)

(proper noun)

Nominative, masculine, singular of bhṛgu

bhṛgu - a Vedic sage, name of a class of deities

उवाच (uvāca) - said, spoke

(verb)

3rd person , singular, active, perfect (liṭ) of uvāca

perfect (liṭ)

root 'vac' with reduplication, 3rd person singular active

Root: vac (class 2)

पूर्वम् (pūrvam) - before, formerly, previously

(indeclinable)

adverbial use of neuter singular accusative of 'pūrva'

एव (eva) - indeed, only, just

(indeclinable)

भगवता (bhagavatā) - by the revered one, by the Lord

(noun)

Instrumental, masculine, singular of bhagavat

bhagavat - blessed, fortunate, glorious, divine; the Lord, God

लोकहितम् (lokahitam) - welfare of the world, benefit of people

(noun)

Accusative, neuter, singular of lokahita

lokahita - welfare of the world, public good

Compound type : tatpuruṣa (loka+hita)

loka – world, people, universe
noun (masculine)
Root: lok (class 1)
hita – beneficial, salutary; welfare, benefit
noun (neuter)
Past Passive Participle
from root 'dhā'
Root: dhā (class 3)

अनुतिष्ठता (anutiṣṭhatā) - by one who practices, by one who is devoted to

(adjective)

Instrumental, masculine, singular of anutiṣṭhat

anuṣṭhā - to perform, practice, observe, carry out

Present Active Participle

root 'sthā' with prefix 'anu', masculine instrumental singular

Prefix: anu

Root: sthā (class 1)

Note: Used as an adjective agreeing with 'bhagavatā'.

धर्मसंरक्षणार्थम् (dharmasaṁrakṣaṇārtham) - for the sake of preserving natural law (dharma)

(indeclinable)

Compound type : tatpuruṣa (dharma+saṃrakṣaṇa+artha)

dharma – intrinsic nature, natural law, duty, righteousness
noun (masculine)
Root: dhṛ (class 1)
saṃrakṣaṇa – protection, preservation
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'rakṣ' with prefix 'sam'
Prefix: sam
Root: rakṣ (class 1)
artha – purpose, aim, meaning, wealth
noun (masculine)

Note: Used adverbially to indicate purpose.

आश्रमाः (āśramāḥ) - stages of life (āśramas), hermitages

(noun)

Nominative, masculine, plural of āśrama

āśrama - stage of life, hermitage, spiritual retreat

Root: śram (class 4)

चत्वारः (catvāraḥ) - four

(numeral)

अभिनिर्दिष्टाः (abhinirdiṣṭāḥ) - designated, prescribed, ordained

(adjective)

Nominative, masculine, plural of abhinirdiṣṭa

diś - to point out, show, prescribe, designate

Past Passive Participle

root 'diś' with prefixes 'abhi' and 'nir'

Prefixes: abhi+nir

Root: diś (class 6)

Note: Used adjectivally to describe 'āśramāḥ'.

तत्र (tatra) - there, among them

(indeclinable)

गुरुकुलवासम् (gurukulavāsam) - residence in the teacher's (guru) household (gurukula)

(noun)

Accusative, masculine, singular of gurukulavāsa

gurukulavāsa - residence in the guru's family/school

Compound type : tatpuruṣa (guru+kula+vāsa)

guru – teacher, spiritual preceptor, heavy
noun (masculine)
kula – family, race, household, school
noun (neuter)
vāsa – dwelling, residence, abode
noun (masculine)
verbal noun
from root 'vas'
Root: vas (class 1)

एव (eva) - indeed, only, just

(indeclinable)

तावत् (tāvat) - first of all, to that extent

(indeclinable)

प्रथमम् (prathamam) - first, foremost

(adjective)

Accusative, masculine, singular of prathama

prathama - first, foremost, primary

आश्रमम् (āśramam) - stage of life (āśrama), hermitage

(noun)

Accusative, masculine, singular of āśrama

āśrama - stage of life, hermitage, spiritual retreat

Root: śram (class 4)

उदाहरन्ति (udāharanti) - they declare, they state, they give as an example

(verb)

3rd person , plural, active, present (laṭ) of udahṛ

present (laṭ)

root 'hṛ' with prefix 'ud-ā', 3rd person plural active

Prefixes: ud+ā

Root: hṛ (class 1)

सम्यक् (samyak) - properly, thoroughly, completely

(indeclinable)

अत्र (atra) - here, in this (stage of life)

(indeclinable)

शौचसंस्कारविनयनियमप्रणीतः (śaucasaṁskāravinayaniyamapraṇītaḥ) - one who is well-disciplined by purity, purificatory rites (saṃskāra), humility, and rules

(adjective)

Nominative, masculine, singular of śaucasaṃskāravinayaniyamapraṇīta

śaucasaṁskāravinayaniyamapraṇīta - guided/disciplined by purity, rites, humility, and rules

Compound type : tatpuruṣa (śauca+saṃskāra+vinaya+niyama+praṇīta)

śauca – purity, cleanliness
noun (neuter)
saṃskāra – purificatory rite, training, impression, mental faculty (saṃskāra)
noun (masculine)
Prefix: sam
Root: kṛ (class 8)
vinaya – humility, modesty, discipline, training
noun (masculine)
Prefix: vi
Root: nī (class 1)
niyama – rule, regulation, self-restraint
noun (masculine)
Prefix: ni
Root: yam (class 1)
praṇīta – led forth, guided, disciplined, well-prepared
adjective (masculine)
Past Passive Participle
from root 'nī' with prefix 'pra'
Prefix: pra
Root: nī (class 1)

विनीतात्मा (vinītātmā) - one with a disciplined self (ātman)

(noun)

Nominative, masculine, singular of vinītātman

vinītātman - one whose self is disciplined

Compound type : bahuvrīhi (vinīta+ātman)

vinīta – disciplined, humble, modest, trained
adjective (masculine)
Past Passive Participle
from root 'nī' with prefix 'vi'
Prefix: vi
Root: nī (class 1)
ātman – self, soul, spirit, essence (ātman)
noun (masculine)
Root: an (class 2)

उभे (ubhe) - both

(numeral)

संध्ये (saṁdhye) - twilight times (morning and evening)

(noun)

Nominative, feminine, dual of saṃdhyā

saṁdhyā - twilight, juncture of day and night, time for daily prayer

Root: dhā (class 3)

भास्कराग्निदैवतानि (bhāskarāgnidaivatāni) - deities of the sun and fire

(noun)

Accusative, neuter, plural of bhāskarāgnidaivata

bhāskarāgnidaivata - deities of sun and fire

Compound type : dvandva (bhāskara+agni+daivata)

bhāskara – sun, sun-god
noun (masculine)
Root: bhās (class 1)
agni – fire, fire-god
noun (masculine)
Root: ag (class 1)
daivata – deity, divine being
noun (neuter)

उपस्थाय (upasthāya) - having approached, having worshipped

(indeclinable)

absolutive

root 'sthā' with prefix 'upa' + -ya suffix

Prefix: upa

Root: sthā (class 1)

विहाय (vihāya) - having abandoned, having left, having discarded

(indeclinable)

absolutive

root 'hā' with prefix 'vi' + -ya suffix

Prefix: vi

Root: hā (class 3)

तन्द्रालस्ये (tandrālasye) - lethargy and idleness

(noun)

Accusative, neuter, dual of tandrālasya

tandrālasya - drowsiness and idleness

Compound type : dvandva (tandrā+ālasya)

tandrā – drowsiness, lethargy, lassitude
noun (feminine)
Root: tandr (class 1)
ālasya – idleness, laziness, indolence
noun (neuter)

गुरोः (guroḥ) - of the teacher (guru), from the teacher

(noun)

Genitive, masculine, singular of guru

guru - teacher, spiritual preceptor, venerable, heavy

अभिवादनवेदाभ्यासश्रवणपवित्रीकृतान्तरात्मा (abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātmā) - one whose inner self (antarātman) is purified by salutation, study of Vedas, and listening

(noun)

Nominative, masculine, singular of abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātman

abhivādanavedābhyāsaśravaṇapavitrīkṛtāntarātman - one whose inner self is purified by salutation (to guru), Veda study, and hearing

Compound type : bahuvrīhi (abhivādana+veda+abhyāsa+śravaṇa+pavitrīkṛta+antarātman)

abhivādana – salutation, respectful greeting
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'vad' with prefix 'abhi-vi'
Prefixes: abhi+vi
Root: vad (class 1)
veda – Veda, sacred knowledge
noun (masculine)
Root: vid (class 2)
abhyāsa – study, practice, repetition
noun (masculine)
verbal noun
from root 'as' with prefix 'abhi'
Prefix: abhi
Root: as (class 4)
śravaṇa – listening, hearing, the ear
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'śru'
Root: śru (class 5)
pavitrīkṛta – purified, consecrated
adjective (masculine)
Past Passive Participle
from 'pavitrī-kṛ' (to purify)
Root: kṛ (class 8)
antarātman – inner self, soul (antarātman)
noun (masculine)
Prefix: antar
Root: an (class 2)

त्रिषवणम् (triṣavaṇam) - thrice daily, at three ablution times

(indeclinable)

Compound type : dvigu (tri+savana)

tri – three
numeral
savana – ablution, bathing, morning rite
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'su'
Root: su (class 5)

उपस्पृश्य (upaspṛśya) - having touched (water), having bathed

(indeclinable)

absolutive

root 'spṛś' with prefix 'upa' + -ya suffix

Prefix: upa

Root: spṛś (class 6)

ब्रह्मचर्याग्निपरिचरणगुरुशुश्रूषानित्यः (brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānityaḥ) - constantly devoted to celibacy (brahmacarya), tending the sacred fire, and serving the teacher (guru)

(adjective)

Nominative, masculine, singular of brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānitya

brahmacaryāgniparicaraṇaguruśuśrūṣānitya - constantly devoted to brahmacarya, fire-service, and guru-service

Compound type : dvandva-tatpuruṣa (brahmacarya+agni+paricaraṇa+guru+śuśrūṣā+nitya)

brahmacarya – celibacy, student life (brahmacarya)
noun (neuter)
agni – fire, sacred fire
noun (masculine)
Root: ag (class 1)
paricaraṇa – service, attendance, worship
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'car' with prefix 'pari'
Prefix: pari
Root: car (class 1)
guru – teacher, spiritual preceptor (guru)
noun (masculine)
śuśrūṣā – service, desire to hear, obedience
noun (feminine)
desiderative noun
from desiderative of root 'śru'
Root: śru (class 5)
nitya – constant, eternal, always present, devoted to
adjective (masculine)

भैक्षादिसर्वनिवेदितान्तरात्मा (bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātmā) - one whose inner self (antarātman) is entirely dedicated (to the guru) through begging for alms and other duties

(noun)

Nominative, masculine, singular of bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātman

bhaikṣādisarvaniveditāntarātman - one whose inner self is entirely dedicated through begging for alms etc.

Compound type : bahuvrīhi (bhaikṣa+ādi+sarva+nivedita+antarātman)

bhaikṣa – alms, begging for alms
noun (neuter)
Root: bhikṣ (class 1)
ādi – beginning with, and so on, et cetera
indeclinable
sarva – all, every, entire
adjective (masculine)
nivedita – offered, presented, dedicated
adjective (masculine)
Past Passive Participle
from root 'vid' with prefix 'ni'
Prefix: ni
Root: vid (class 6)
antarātman – inner self, soul (antarātman)
noun (masculine)
Prefix: antar
Root: an (class 2)

गुरुवचननिर्देशानुष्ठानाप्रतिकूलः (guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūlaḥ) - not opposing the instructions and commands of the teacher (guru)

(adjective)

Nominative, masculine, singular of guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūla

guruvacananirdeśānuṣṭhānāpratikūla - not opposing the guru's words, instructions, and observances

Compound type : bahuvrīhi (guru+vacana+nirdeśa+anuṣṭhāna+apratikūla)

guru – teacher, spiritual preceptor (guru)
noun (masculine)
vacana – word, speech, command
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'vac'
Root: vac (class 2)
nirdeśa – instruction, direction, command
noun (masculine)
verbal noun
from root 'diś' with prefix 'nir'
Prefix: nir
Root: diś (class 6)
anuṣṭhāna – performance, observance, practice
noun (neuter)
verbal noun
from root 'sthā' with prefix 'anu'
Prefix: anu
Root: sthā (class 1)
apratikūla – not opposing, agreeable, favorable
adjective (masculine)
negative prefix 'a' + 'pratikūla'
Prefix: a

गुरुप्रसादलब्धस्वाध्यायतत्परः (guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatparaḥ) - diligently engaged in self-study (svādhyāya) obtained through the grace of the teacher (guru)

(adjective)

Nominative, masculine, singular of guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatpara

guruprasādalabdhasvādhyāyatatpara - devoted to self-study obtained by guru's grace

Compound type : tatpuruṣa (guru+prasāda+labdha+svādhyāya+tatpara)

guru – teacher, spiritual preceptor (guru)
noun (masculine)
prasāda – grace, favor, clearness, serenity
noun (masculine)
verbal noun
from root 'sad' with prefix 'pra'
Prefix: pra
Root: sad (class 1)
labdha – obtained, acquired, gained
adjective (masculine)
Past Passive Participle
from root 'labh'
Root: labh (class 1)
svādhyāya – self-study, recitation of the Vedas (svādhyāya)
noun (masculine)
Prefixes: sva+adhi
Root: adhyāy (class 2)
tatpara – devoted to, intent on, diligently engaged in
adjective (masculine)