Sloka 9
9.1. IAST Text
pañcasya daśa bāhūnā metēṣāṁ
prāṇavallabhakṛtvā kṛpāṁ kṛṣṇārōtvaṁ kiṁ rahasyantu mēnaḍa
9.2. Word-by-Word Analysis & Explanation
- pañcasya
- Meaning: “of five.”
- Explanation: Refers to a group or set denoted by the number five. In Tantric symbolism, the number five can represent the five elements, the five koshas, or other quintuple aspects of creation.
- daśa
- Meaning: “ten.”
- Explanation: When combined with “bāhūnā,” it describes a form endowed with ten arms. In Tantric iconography, multiple arms are symbolic of manifold abilities and the capacity to channel divine energy in various directions.
- bāhūnā
- Meaning: “arms” or “limbs.”
- Explanation: In the esoteric language of Tantra, “arms” are not merely physical; they also denote the extensive powers and the multifarious functions of the divine.
- metēṣāṁ
- Meaning: “of these.”
- Explanation: This term connects the two numerical descriptors, indicating that the “ten arms” pertain to the five (pañca) aspects previously mentioned.
- prāṇavallabhakṛtvā
- Breakdown:
- prāṇa: “life force” or “vital energy” (often referred to as the beloved of life)
- vallabha: “beloved” or “dear”
- kṛtvā: “by means of” or “by the favor of”
- Combined Meaning: “By the favor of prāṇa (the beloved of life).”
- Explanation: This phrase underscores that the manifestation in question occurs through the auspices of prāṇa. It implies that the vital life force plays a central role in activating or supporting the divine form.
- Breakdown:
- kṛpāṁ
- Meaning: “grace” or “compassion.”
- Explanation: Denotes the benevolent, compassionate aspect of the divine that bestows blessings and spiritual favor upon the seeker.
- kṛṣṇārōtvaṁ
- Breakdown:
- kṛṣṇa: “dark” or “mysterious,” here connoting an inscrutable aspect of divine energy
- rōtvaṁ: “mysterious energy” or “a quality of mystery”
- Combined Meaning: “The mysterious energy of Krishna.”
- Explanation: In this context, kṛṣṇa signifies a dark, enigmatic aspect of the divine power. The term implies that there is an element of inscrutability inherent in the manifestation, adding to its mystique.
- Breakdown:
- kiṁ
- Meaning: “what.”
- Explanation: Introduces the inquiry, questioning the secret or the hidden principle behind the described manifestation.
- rahasyantu
- Meaning: “is the secret?”
- Explanation: A query into the hidden or esoteric nature of the phenomenon being described.
- mēnaḍa
- Meaning: This term is used as a vocative or emphatic particle, addressing the disciple directly.
- Explanation: It serves to draw the attention of the listener (or seeker) and emphasizes the personal nature of the inquiry.
9.3. Overall Meaning of the Sloka
O beloved of prāṇa, by Your grace and the mysterious energy of Krishna, what is the secret behind the five (pañca) and ten-armed manifestation?
9.4. Detailed Commentary
This sloka presents an inquiry that is rich in symbolic nuance and encapsulates several key Tantric themes:
- Interplay of Numerical Symbolism:
The juxtaposition of “pañcasya” (of five) and “daśa bāhūnā” (with ten arms) suggests a synthesis between dual sets of numbers. In Tantric thought, the number five may represent fundamental aspects such as the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) or the five koshas (sheaths of existence). The number ten, when applied to arms, is a conventional symbol of divine omnipotence and the multifaceted nature of cosmic power. Together, these numbers hint at a complex structure where both the quintessence and its expanded, manifold expression are united. - Role of Prāṇa:
The phrase prāṇavallabhakṛtvā emphasizes that the activation and manifestation of these divine qualities are deeply rooted in prāṇa—the vital life force. In Tantric and yogic systems, prāṇa is the dynamic energy that animates all living beings. Its favor is crucial for the manifestation of spiritual power, indicating that the mystery under inquiry is not purely intellectual but vibratory and energetic. - Mysterious Energy of Krishna:
The reference to kṛṣṇārōtvaṁ introduces an element of enigmatic darkness or inscrutability. Krishna, in many Tantric texts, represents the hidden, sometimes paradoxical aspects of the divine. His mysterious energy complements the nurturing quality of prāṇa, adding layers of depth and complexity to the secret that is being queried. - Inquiry into Esoteric Secrets:
The use of kiṁ rahasyantu (“what is the secret?”) signals that the devotee is seeking an explanation for how these various elements—numerical symbolism, prāṇa, and the mysterious energy—coalesce to produce the cosmic manifestation described. This question is not merely rhetorical; it is a call for deeper, experiential insight into the underlying metaphysical principles that govern both the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). - Personal Address and Emphasis:
The vocative mēnaḍa underscores that this inquiry is directed to the disciple, marking a personal and intimate moment in the transmission of esoteric knowledge. It exemplifies the teacher–disciple dialogue, a central motif in Tantric literature, where profound spiritual secrets are shared only with those who are deemed worthy.
Core Message:
Sloka 9 is a quintessential example of how Tantric texts use symbolic numbers and metaphorical language to encode deep metaphysical principles. It asks the devotee to contemplate the secret behind the dynamic union of fundamental aspects (the five) and their manifold expression (the ten arms). By invoking prāṇa and the mysterious energy of Krishna, the verse highlights that the underlying mystery is both vibratory and inscrutable—accessible only through a profound and intimate understanding of the interrelation between cosmic and individual energies. This inquiry invites the practitioner to delve deeper into the nature of divine manifestation, ultimately seeking to bridge the gap between the outer universe and the inner self.