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श्री
Śrī Sūktam – Verse 10
Manasaḥ Kāmam – pure desires, truthful speech, enduring honour
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
मनसः काममाकूतिं वाचः सत्यमशीमहि।
पशूनां रूपमन्नस्य मयि श्रीः श्रयतां यशः॥
Manasaḥ kāmam ākūtiṁ vācaḥ satyam aśīmahi,
Paśūnāṁ rūpam annasya mayi śrīḥ śrayatāṁ yaśaḥ.
Word-by-word meaning
The desires of the mind
Heartfelt wishes.
Intentions, noble aspirations and prayers
Truth in speech
The ability to speak with integrity and sincerity.
May we possess, may we attain
The beauty, health and abundance of cattle
Symbolising wealth, nourishment and sustenance in Vedic times.
Of food, nourishment and sustenance
In me, within me, in my life
May Goddess Lakshmi reside; may prosperity dwell
Honour, good reputation and glory
Full meaning
May the sincere desires and noble intentions of my heart be fulfilled; may my words always be truthful. May I possess the abundance of cattle, the beauty of nourishment, and may prosperity and honour permanently reside in my life.
Deeper spiritual insights
Desire and intention (Manasaḥ kāmam ākūtiṁ)
The verse acknowledges that desires and intentions are natural, but they must be pure and noble. Reflection: are my desires aligned with good, or are they born of ego and restlessness?
Truth in speech (Vācaḥ satyam)
True prosperity stands on the foundation of truthfulness and integrity. Reflection: do I honour my words? Is my speech gentle and truthful?
Cattle and food (Paśūnāṁ rūpam annasya)
Symbolising abundance in nourishment, wealth and wellbeing. It also hints at prosperity that provides sustenance for oneself and others.
May prosperity and honour reside (Mayi śrīḥ śrayatāṁ yaśaḥ)
The prayer is for Lakshmi and honour to dwell within us, not fleetingly but permanently.
Practical meditation
- Visualise sitting before Goddess Lakshmi.
- See her gently placing a lotus in your heart, representing truthful words, noble desires and fulfilled intentions.
- Visualise flowing streams of milk and grains around you, symbolising nourishment and plenty.
- Whisper inwardly: “May my desires be pure, my speech be truthful, and may prosperity and honour take shelter in my life always.”
Reflection for today
Are my daily intentions aligned with goodness and higher purpose? Do I consistently speak truthfully and with kindness? How can I make my abundance nourishing for myself and others?
Prosperity is not just wealth. It is truth in speech, nobility in intention, fulfilment of righteous desires, good nourishment and enduring honour. This verse teaches us that prosperity is inseparable from pure desires, truthful speech, sincere effort, nourishment and honour.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.