Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 12.3.47
यथा हेम्नि स्थितो वह्निर्दुर्वर्णं हन्ति धातुजम् ।
एवमात्मगतो विष्णुर्योगिनामशुभाशयम् ॥ ४७ ॥
yathā hemni sthito vahnir
[yathaa hemni sthito vahnir]
durvarṇaṁ hanti dhātu-jam
[durvarnam hanti dhaatu-jam]
evam ātma-gato viṣṇur
[evam aatma-gato vishnur]
yoginām aśubhāśayam
[yoginaam ashubhaashayam]
Word-for-word
yathā
—
just as
hemni
—
in gold
sthitaḥ
—
situated
vahniḥ
—
fire
durvarṇam
—
the discoloration
hanti
—
destroys
dhātu-jam
—
due to the taint of other metals
evam
—
in the same way
ātma-gataḥ
—
having entered the soul
viṣṇuḥ
—
Lord Viṣṇu
yoginām
—
of the yogīs
aśubha-āśayam
—
the dirty mind.
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
yathā hemni sthito vahnir
yathā
just as
hemni
in gold
sthitaḥ
situated
vahniḥ
fire
durvarṇaṁ hanti dhātu-jam
durvarṇam
the discoloration
hanti
destroys
dhātu-jam
due to the taint of other metals
evam ātma-gato viṣṇur
evam
in the same way
ātma-gataḥ
having entered the soul
viṣṇuḥ
Lord Viṣṇu
yoginām aśubhāśayam
yoginām
of the yogīs
aśubha-āśayam
the dirty mind.
Just as fire applied to gold removes any discoloration caused by traces of other metals, Lord Viṣṇu within the heart purifies the minds of the yogīs.
Purport
Although one may practice the mystic yoga system, his actual spiritual advancement is due to the mercy of the Supreme Lord within the heart; it is not directly the result of his austerity and meditation. If one becomes foolishly proud in the name of yoga, his spiritual position becomes ridiculous.
— A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura
Gauḍīya
Translation
Just as fire situated in gold removes any impurities caused by traces of other metals, Viṣṇu within the heart purifies the minds of the yogīs.
Remembrance of the Lord is the only method for purifying the antaḥkaraṇa. Just as fire situated in gold removes the impurities such as copper mixed with it, whereas water or other substances do not, Viṣṇu, situated in their hearts, removes all sins in the yogīs. This does not take place by yama, niyama or other processes.
Personal Guidance
Fire purifies gold of impurities; Viṣṇu in the heart purifies the yogī's mind. Real progress in yoga is His mercy, not our willpower. So we practice — and remain humble about who is actually doing the purifying.
Reflection Questions
- Have I subtly started taking credit for my own spiritual progress?
- What gratitude would restore the right relationship?
My note
Source: vedabase.io