SrI: SrImathE SatakOpAya nama: SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama: SrImadh varavaramunayE nama:
avathArikai (Introduction)
After explaining that desire towards bhagavAn is the main reason for all noble qualities, piLLai lOkAchAryar showed proof for the quality of being detached from worldly aspects [in previous sUthram]. When asked why, piLLai lOkAchAryar mercifully explains.
sUthram 96
Athma guNangaLil pradhAnam Samamum dhamamum.
Simple Explanation
Among the noble qualities, Samam (controlling internal senses) and dhamam (controlling external senses) are the most important.
vyAkyAnam (Commentary)
Athma guNangaLil pradhAnam Samamum dhamamum.
Samam – controlling internal senses. dhamam – controlling external senses. It is said in “SamaSchiththa praSAnthisyAth thamaSchEndhriya nigraha:” (It is said that Samam is controlling internal senses and dhamam is controlling external senses). While explaining SrI bhagavath gIthA 10.4 “kshamA sathyam dhama: Sama:” (forgiving (even when there is reason to be angry), speaking the truth, controlling the external senses (from seeking out lowly enjoyment), controlling the mind (from seeking out lowly enjoyment)), bhAshyakArar mercifully explained in his commentary “thamO bhAhya karaNAnAm anartha vishayEbhyO niyamanam – SamOntha:karaNasya thathA niyamanam” (dhamam means controlling the external senses from engaging in worldly pleasures leading to disaster; Samam means controlling the internal senses in the same way). It is also explained otherwise [Samam means controlling the external senses and dhamam means controlling the internal senses]. It is implied that since other noble qualities will follow where Samam and dhamam are present, proof for these two qualities are shown.
Alternatively, it can also be explained that when asked “What are the main qualities among those noble qualities?” piLLai lOkAchAryar is saying “Athma guNangaLil pradhAnam Samamum dhamamum” considering that since the cause for detachment is desire for bhagavAn, it is the same cause for all other noble qualities.
adiyen sarathy ramanuja dasan
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