न देवा दण्डमादाय रक्षन्ति पशुपालवत् ।
यं हि रक्षितुमिच्छन्ति बुद्ध्या संयोजयन्ति ॥ Manusmriti, Chapter 8, Verse 15
Word meaning:
न - Not
देवा - gods
दण्डम् - stick
आदाय - having taken up
रक्षन्ति - protect
पशुपालवत् - like a cowherd
यं - whom
हि - indeed
रक्षितुम् - to protect
इच्छन्ति - they wish
बुद्ध्या - by intellect
संयोजयन्ति - they bring together
Shloka Meaning:
God do not protect with stick like a cowherd; whom he wish to protect, he sharpens their intellect, but using and utilizing is in our hands.
Kannada Meaning:
ದೇವರು ಗೋಪಾಲಕರಂತೆ ಕೋಲಿನಿಂದ ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ; ಯಾರನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ಬಯಸುತ್ತಾನೋ ಅವರ ಬುದ್ಧಿಯನ್ನು ಚುರುಕುಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ.
Hindi Meaning:
भगवान ग्वाले की तरह लाठी से रक्षा नहीं करते; वह जिनकी रक्षा करना चाहता है, उनकी बुद्धि तीव्र कर देता है।
"Exploring the Protective Power of God"
Discussion:
Role of Intellect: The verse highlights the importance of intellect in divine protection. Instead of employing physical force or punishment, the divine realm sharpens the intellect of those they wish to protect. This suggests that wisdom, understanding, and discernment are crucial for navigating life's challenges and receiving divine guidance.
Contrast with Brute Force: By comparing the gods' protection to that of a cowherd, who may use a stick to control the herd, the verse suggests a more nuanced approach to protection. Unlike a cowherd, who relies on physical means to manage animals, the gods rely on enhancing individuals' intellectual capacities. This implies a higher level of sophistication and subtlety in divine intervention.
Human Agency: The verse indirectly acknowledges human agency in the process of divine protection. While the gods may wish to protect certain individuals, it is up to those individuals to utilize and develop their intellect. The verse implies that humans have a responsibility to cultivate their intellect and make wise choices. Divine protection is not passive but requires active participation and cooperation from humans.
Empowerment through Intellect: By emphasizing the role of intellect, the verse empowers individuals to take charge of their own destiny. It suggests that by developing their intellectual faculties, individuals can align themselves with divine will and receive protection and guidance. This aligns with the broader Hindu concept of self-realization and the importance of self-effort (karma) in spiritual growth.
Ethical Implications: The verse also carries ethical implications. It suggests that divine protection is not arbitrary but is bestowed upon those who demonstrate qualities worthy of protection, such as wisdom, virtue, and righteousness. It implies that individuals who cultivate their intellect and adhere to moral principles are more likely to receive divine favor and guidance.
Conclusion:
In summary, this verse from the Manusmriti underscores the importance of intellect in divine protection, emphasizes human agency in utilizing and developing intellect, and carries ethical implications regarding the criteria for receiving divine favor. It encourages individuals to actively engage their intellect, cultivate virtues, and align themselves with divine will to receive protection and guidance. This verse emphasizes the role of intellect in divine protection rather than brute force or punishment, but utilizing the given intellect is also in our hands not in the hands of god.
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