SAUNDARANANDA 16.64: Delighting in Delusion

moh'-aatmikaayaaM manasaH pravRttau
sevyas tv idaM-pratyayataa-vihaaraH
muuDhe manasy eSha hi shaanti-maargo
vaayv-aatmake snigdha iv' opacaaraH

16.64
When the working of one's mind
is dominated by delusion,

One should delight in the causality
which is this condition;

For this is a path to peace
for a deluded mind,

Like treatment with oil
for a patient with a wind condition.

COMMENT:
"The causality which is this delusion" might mean, in other words, the Lotus Universe turning.

"Delight in" might mean 'allow to turn.'

EH Johnston:
When the working of the mind is affected by delusion, the subject of reflection should be causality ; for this is the path to peace for the deluded mind, like unctuous treatment for the man of windy temperament.

Linda Covill:
When the activities of the mind are confused in nature, an analysis of causality should be undertaken; for this is the path to peace for a deluded mind, like treatment with oils in the case of a patient with a wind condition.


VOCABULARY:
moha: delusion, ignorance
aatmikaayaam = loc. sg. f. aatmakaa: having or consisting of the nature or character of (in comp.)
manasaH = genitive of manas: n. mind
pravRttau = locative of pravRtti: f. rolling onward, continued doing, activity

sevyaH (nom. sg. m.): to be practised, resorted to, etc.
tu: but, and, then
idam (nom. sg. n.): this , this here , referring to something near the speaker; what is present, what is known
pratyaya: fundamental notion or idea; ground , basis , motive or cause of anything
- taa: (noun suffix) -ness, -ity
pratyayataa: f. the being grounded or based in; causality
vihaaraH = nom. sg. vihaara: m. walking for pleasure or amusement , wandering , roaming; sport , play , pastime , diversion , enjoyment , pleasure (at end of compounds also = taking delight in)

muuDhe = locative of muuDha: stupefied , bewildered , perplexed , confused ; stupid , foolish , dull; a fool , dolt; confusion of mind
manasy = locative of manas: mind
eSha (nom. sg. m.): this, what is near at hand
hi: for
shaanti: peace
maargaH (nom. sg.: m. path

vaay-aatmake (locative): towards / in the case of a windy type
snigdhaH (nom. sg. m.): oily
iva: like
upacaaraH (nominative, singular): approach, service, treatment, attendance on a patient