na rūpam asyeha tathopalabhyate nānto na cādir na ca sampratiṣṭhā aśvattham enaṁ su-virūḍha-mūlam asaṅga-śastreṇa dṛḍhena chittvā
"Its form is not perceived here as such, nor its end, nor its origin, nor its foundation. Having cut this deep-rooted ashvattha tree with the strong axe of non-attachment—"
What This Means:
We can't perceive this tree's true form while enmeshed in it—we can't see its beginning, end, or foundation. The way out: cut it with the strong axe of non-attachment (asanga).
Going Deeper:
'Na rūpam iha tathopalabhyate'—its form isn't perceived as it truly is (we're inside it, like fish in water). 'Na antaḥ na ādiḥ na sampratiṣṭhā'—no end, beginning, or stable foundation can be found (samsara is beginningless and foundationless). The solution: 'asaṅga-śastreṇa dṛḍhena chittvā'—cut with the firm weapon of non-attachment. Non-attachment is the only tool that can sever the roots.
How To Apply This:
You can't think your way out of samsara—you must cut through with non-attachment. Every time you release a craving or aversion, you're wielding this axe. Build the habit of letting go.
Key Sanskrit Terms: