Friday, August 19, 2016
Sanskruti Maha Shibir
We had been to St. Albans Hertfordshire about fifty miles from London yesterday to witness concluding function of a three day Sanskruti Maha Shibir attended by over two thousand Sangh-Swayamsevaks drawn from all regions of England.It was indeed heartening to note that the RSS (named HSS - Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh- outside India) is deeply rooted in 'foreign' soil as well. The concluding function of the Shibir , which commemorates Fiftieth year of inception of HSS in UK, was marvellous to say the least ! Spread over a vast field on the outskirts of St. Albans, hundreds of beautiful white tents housed Swayamsevaks and Swayamsevikas. The atmosphere was vibrant with enthusiasm, joy, energy, courtesy, love and respect exhibited by the volunteers, inmates, office bearers, in fact each and everyone, making you very happy, energetic and proud.In the centre was our dear Saffron Flag fluttering majestically and elsewhere a gorgeous Exhibition worth visiting, which depicted entire Sangh activities undertaken during last fifty years here in UK, as well as huge portraits of Dr. Hedgewar, Sri Guruji, Smt. Laxmibai Kelkar ( founder of Samiti the female wing of Sangh) and so on. Catering service too was excellent, manned by gent and lady Swayamsevaks. It was exceptionally very well organised event with meticulous detail as per Sangh traditions.Just before address by Sarsanghachalak Dr. Mohanrao Bhagwat a breathtaking display by the Ghosh group, Yogasana, Martial arts, Danda ( Laathee!) steps etc and melodious rendering of poem was truly enchanting, thrilling, charming and enthusing.Dr. Bhagwat addressed in English and gave inspiring insights into Hindu culture and its obligations unto entire world.The overall ambience was glorious, heartwarming and most rewarding indeed !Best wishes,
Dr. Rahalkar
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
श्री ज्ञानेश्वरी नित्यपाठ ।। श्रीहरि ।।
ज्ञानेश्वरी नित्यपाठ
ओम नमोजी आद्या । वेद प्रतिपाद्या । जयजय स्वसंवेद्या । आत्मरूपा ।।१।।
देवा तूंचि गणेशु । सकळ मतिप्रकाशु ।
म्हणणे निवृत्तिदासु । अवधारिजोजी ।।२।।
आतां अभिनव वाग्विलासिनी । जे चातुर्यार्थ कलाकामिनी । श्रीशारदा विश्वमोहिनी । नमिली मियां ।।३।।
मज हृदयीं सदगुरू । जेणें तारिलों हा संसारपूरू। म्हणौनि विशेषें अत्यादरू । विवेकावरी ।।४।।
या उपाधिमाजीं गुप्त । चैतन्य असे सर्वगत ।तें तत्वज्ञ संत । स्वीकारिती ।।५।।
उपजें तें नाशें । नाशलें पुनरपि दिसे । हें घटिकायंत्र तैसें । परिभ्रमें गा ।।६।
जैसें मार्गेचि चालतां । अपावो न पवे सर्वथा ।
कां दीपाधारें वर्ततां नाडळिजे ।।७।।
तयापरी पार्था । स्वधर्में राहाटतां । सकळकामपूर्णता । सहजें होय ।।८।।
सुखीं संतोषां न यावें । दु:खीं विषादां न भजावें । आणि लाभालाभ न धरावें । मनामाजीं ।।९।।
आपणयां उचितां । स्वधर्में राहाटतां । जें पावें तें निवान्तां । साहोनि जावें ।।१०।।
आम्हीं समस्तहि विचारिलें । तंव ऐसेचि हें मना आलें । जे न सांडिजें तुवां आपुलें । विहित कर्म ।।११।।
परि कर्मफळीं आस न धरावी । आणि कुकर्मीं संगती न व्हावी । हे सत्क्रियाचि आचरावी । हेतुविण ।।१२।
तूं योगयुक्त होऊनि । फळाचा संग टाकूनि । मग अर्जुना चित्त देऊनि । करीं कर्में ।।१३।।
परि आदरिलें कर्म दैवें । जरी समाप्तीतें पावें । तरि विशेषें तेथ तोषावें । हें हि नको ।।१४।।
कां निमित्तें कोणें एकें । तें सिध्दी न वचतां ठाके । तरी तेथीचेनि अपरितोखें । क्षोभावें ना ।।१५।।
देखें जेतुलेनि कर्म निपजें । तेतुलें आदिपुरूषीं अर्पिजे । तरी परिपूर्ण सहजें । जाहलें जाण ।।१६।।
म्हणौनि जें जें उचित । आणि अवसरेंकरूनि प्राप्त । तें कर्म हेतुरहित । आचरे तूं ।।१७।।
देखें अनुक्रमाधारें । स्वधर्म जो आचरे ।तो मोक्ष तेणें व्यापारें । निश्चित पावें ।।१८
स्वधर्म जो बापा । तो नित्ययज्ञ जाण पां । म्हणौनि वर्ततां ते थ पापा । संचारू नाही ।।१९।।
हा निजधर्म जैं सांडे । आणि कुकर्मीं रति घडे । तैंचि बंध पडे । सांसारिक ।।२०।।
म्हणौनि स्वधर्मानुष्ठान । तें अखंड यज्ञयाजन । जो करी तया बंधन । कहीं चि न घडे ।।२१।।
अगा जया जे विहित । तें ईश्वराचें मनोगत । म्हणौनि केलिया निभ्रान्त । सांपडेचि तो ।।२२।।
तें विहित कर्म पांडवा । आपुला अनन्य वोलावा । आणि हेंचि परम सेवा । मज सर्वात्मकाची ।।२३।।
तया सर्वात्मक ईश्वरा । स्वकर्मकुसुमांची वीरा ।पूजा केली होय अपारा । तोषालागीं ।।२४।।
तें क्रियाजात आघवें । जें जैसें निपजें स्वभावें । तें भावना करोनि करावें । माझियां मोहरा ।।२५।।
आणि हें कर्म मी कर्ता । कां आचरेन या अर्था । ऐसा अभिमान झणें चित्ता । रिगों देसी ।।२६।।
तुवां शरीरपरां नोहावें । कामनाजात सांडावें । मग अवसरोचित भोगावे । भोग सकळ ।।२७।।
तूं मानसा नियमु करीं । नश्चळु होय अंतरीं । मग कर्मेन्द्रियें व्यापारीं । वर्ततु सुखें ।।२८।।
परिस पां सव्यसाची । मूर्ति लाहोनि देहाची । खंती करिती कर्माची । ते गांवढे गा ।।२९।।
देश पां जनकादिक । कर्मजात अशेख ।
न सांडितां, मोक्षसुख । पावते जाहले ।।३०
देखें प्राप्तार्थ जाहले । ते निष्कामता पावले ।
तयांही कर्तव्य असे उरलें । लोकांलागीं ।।३१
मार्गीं अंधासरिसा । पुढे देखणाहि चाले जैसा ।
अज्ञाना प्रगटलात धर्म तैसा । आचरोनी ।।३२।।
एथ वडील जे जें करिती । तया नाम धर्म ठेविती
तेंचि येर अनुष्ठिती । सामान्य सकळ ।।३३।।
हें ऐसे असे स्वभावें । म्हणौनि कर्म न सांडावें ।
विशेषें आचरावे लागे । संतीं ।।३४।।
दीपाचेनि प्रकाशें । गृहींचें व्यापार जैसें ।
देहीं कर्मजात तैसें । योगयुक्ता ।।३५।।
तो कर्में करी सकळें । परी कर्मबंधा नाकळे ।
जैसें न सिंपे जळीं जळे ।पद्मपत्र ।।३६।।
तयाही देह एक कीर आथी । लौकिकीं सुखु:खीं तयातें म्हणती । परी आम्हातें ऐसी प्रतीति । परब्रह्मचि हा ।। ३७।।
देह तरी वरिचिलीकडे । आपुलियापरी हिंडे ।
परि बैसका न मोडे । मानसींची ।।३८।।
अर्जुना समत्व चित्ताचे । तेंचि सार जाण योगाचे
जेथे मन आदि बुद्धीचे । ऐक्य आथी ।।३९।।
देखें अखंडित प्रसन्नता । आथी जेथ चित्ता । तेथ रिगणें नाहीं समस्तां । संसारदु:खां ।।४०
जैसा अमृताचा निर्झरू । प्रसवे ज़याचा जठरू । तया क्षुधेतृषेचा अडदरू । कंहीचि नाहीं ।।४१
तैसें ह्रदय प्रसन्न होये । तरी दु:ख कैंचे कें आहे ।
तेथ आपैसि बुद्धी राहें । परमात्मरूपीं ।।४२
जैसा निर्वातींचा दीपु । सर्वथा नेणें कंपू । तैसा स्थिरबुद्धी स्व-स्वरूपु । योगयुक्त ।।४३।।
जया पुरूषाच्या ठायीं । कर्माचा तरी खेदु नाहीं
आणि फलापेक्षा कहीं । संचरेना ।।४४।।
आणि हैं कर्म मी करीन । अथवा आदरिलें सिद्धी नेईन । येणें संकल्पें जयाचें मन । विटाळेना ।।४५।।
ज्ञानाग्नीचेनि मुखें । जेणे जाळिलीं कर्में अशेखें । तो परब्रह्मचि मनुष्यवेखें । वोळख तूं ।।४६।।
तें ज्ञान पैं गा बरवें । जरी मनीं आथी जाणावें । तरी संतां या भजावें । सर्वस्वेंसी ।।४७।।
जे ज्ञानाचा कुरूठा । तेथ सेवा हा दारवंटा ।
तो स्याधीन करी सुभटा । वोळगोनी ।।४८।।
तरी तनुमनु जीवें । चरणांसि लागावें ।
आणि अगर्वता करावें । दास्य सकळ ।।४९।।
मग अपेक्षित जें आपुलें । तेही सांगती पुसिलें । जेणें अंत:करण बोधलें । संकल्पा न ये ।।५०।।
ते वेळीं आपणपेयां सहितें । इयें अशेषेहि भूतें ।
माझ्या स्वरूपीं अखंडितें । देखसी तूं ।।५१।।
ऐसें ज्ञानप्रकाशें पाहेल । तैं मोहांधकारू जाईल
जैं गुरूकृपा होईल । पार्था गा ।।५२।।
जरी कल्मषाचा आगरु । तूं भ्रांतीचा सागरू ।
व्यामोहाचा डोंगरू । होऊन अससी ।।५३।।
तरी ज्ञानशक्तिचेनि पाड़ें । हैं आघवेंचि गा थोकडें
ऐसें सामर्थ्य असे चोखडें । ज्ञानीं इयें ।।५४।।
मोटकें गुरूमुखें उदैजत दिसे । ह्रदयीं स्वयंभचि असे । प्रत्यक्ष फावों लागे तैसें । आपैसयाचि ।।५५।।
सांगें अग्नीस्तव धूम होये । तिये धूमीं काय अग्नि आहे ? । तैसा विकारू हा मी नोहें । ज़रि विकारला असे ।।५६।।
देह तंव पांचांचे झाले । हें कर्माचे गुणीं गुंथलें ।
भंवतसे चाकीं सूदलें । जन्ममृत्यूच्या ।।५७।।
हें काळानळाच्या तोंडीं । घातली लोणियाची उंडी। माशी पांख पाखडी । तंव हें सरे ।।५८।।
या देहाची हें दशा । आणि आत्मा तो एथ ऐसा । पैं नित्य सिद्ध आपैसा । अनादिपणें ।।५९।।
सकळ ना निष्कळ । अक्रिय ना क्रियाशीळ ।कृश ना स्थूळ । निर्गुणपणें ।।६०।।
आनंद ना निरानंद । एक ना विविध । मुक्त ना बद्ध । आत्मपणें ।।६१।।
ते परम तत्व पार्था । होती ते सर्वथा । जे आत्मानात्मव्यवस्था । राजहंस ।।६२।।
ऐसेनि जे निजज्ञानीं । खेळत सुखें त्रिभुवनीं । जगद्रूपा मनीं । सांठवूनि मातें ।।६३।।
हें विश्वचि माझें घर । ऐसी जयाची मती स्थिर । किंबहुना चराचर । आपण जाहला ।।६४।।
मग याहीवरी पार्था । माझियां भजनीं आस्था । तरी तयांते मी माथां । मुकुट करीं ।।६५।।
तो मीं वैकुंठीं न दिसे । वेळु एक भानुबिंबीं न दिसें वरी योगियांचीहि मानसें । उमरडोनि जाय ।।६६।।
परी तयांपाशीं पांडवा । मीं हारपला गिंवसावा । जेथ नामघोषु बरवा । करिती माझा ।। ६७
कृष्ण विष्णु हरि गोविंद । या नामाचे निखळ प्रबंध । माजीं आत्मचर्चा विशद । उदंड गाती ।।६७।।
जयांचिये वाचें माझे आलाप । दृष्टी भोगी माझेचि रूप । तयांचें मन संकल्प । माझेचि वाहे ।।६८।।
माझियां कीर्तीविण । जयांचें रिते नाहीं श्रवण । जयां सर्वांगीं भूषण । माझी सेवा ।।६९।।
ते पापयोनीहि होतु कां । ते श्रुताधीतहि न होतु का । परि मजसी तुकितां तुका । तुटी नाहीं ।।७१ ।।
तेंचि भलतेणें भावें । मन मज आंतु येतें होआवें । आलें तरी आघवें । मागील वावो ।।७२।।
जैसें तंवचि वहाळ वोहळ । जंव न पवती गंगाजळ । मग होऊन ठाकती केवळ । गंगारूप ।।७३।।
तैसें क्षत्री वैश्य स्त्रिया । कां शुद्र अंत्ययाजि इया । जाती तंवचि वेगळालिया । जंव न पवती मातें ।।७४।।
यालागीं पापयोनीहि अर्जुना । कां वैश्य शुद्र अंगना । मातें भजतां सदना । माझियां येती ।।७५।।
पैं भक्ती एकी मी जाणे । तेथ सानें थोर न म्हणें । आम्ही भावाचे पाहुणे । भलतेया ।।७६।।
येर पत्र पुष्प फळ । हें भजावया मिस केवळ । वांचुनि आमुचा लाग निष्कळ । भक्तितत्व ।।७७।।
मग भूतें हें भाष विसरला । जे दिठी मीचि आहे सूदला । म्हणौनि निर्वैर जाहला । सर्वत्र भजें ।।७८।।
हें समस्तहि श्रीवासुदेव । ऐसा प्रतीतिरसाचा वोतला भाव । म्हणौनि भक्तांमाजीं रावो । आणि ज्ञानिया तो चि ।।७९।।
तूं मन हें मीचि करीं । माझियां भजनीं प्रेम धरीं । सर्वत्र नमस्कारीं । मज एकातें ।।८०।।
माझेनि अनुसंधानें देख । संकल्पु जाळणें नि:शेख । मद्याजी चोख । याचिकांच नांव ।।८१।।
ऐसा मियां आथिला होसी । तेथ माझियाचि स्वरूपा पावसी । हें अंत:करणींचें तुजपाशीं । बोलिजत असें ।।८२।।
तूं मन बुद्धि साचेंसि । जरी माझियां स्वरूपीं अर्पिसी । तरी मातें चि गा पावसी । हें माझी भाक ।।८३।।
अथवा हें चित्त । मनबुद्धिसहित माझ्या हातीं अचंबित । न शकली देवों ।।८४।।
तरी गा ऐसें करीं । यया आठां पहारांमाझारीं । मोटकें निमिषभरीं । देतु जाय ।।८५।।
मग जें जें कां निमिख । देखेल माझें सुख । तेतुलें अरोचक । विषयीं घेईल ।।८६।।
पुनवेहूनि जैसें । शशिबिम्ब दिसें दिसें । हारपत अंवसें । नाहींचि होय ।।८७।।
तैसें भोगांआंतुनि निघतां । चित्त मजमाजीं रिगतां । हळूहळू पंडुसुता । मीचि होईल ।।८८।।
म्हणौनि अभ्यासासीं कांही । सर्वथा दुष्कर नाहीं । यालागीं माझ्याठायीं । अभ्यासें मीळ ।। ८९।।
कां जे यया मनाचें एक निकें । जे गोडीचिया ठाया सोके । म्हणौनि अनुभवसुखचि कवतिकें । जावीत जाइजे ।।९०।।
बळियें इन्द्रिये येती मना । मन एकवटे पवना । पवन सहजें गगना । मिळमिळीत लागे ।।९१।।
ऐसे नेणों काय आपैसें । तयातेंचि कीजे अभ्यासें । समाधि घर पुसे । मानसाचें ।।९२।।
ऐसा जो कामक्रोध लोभां । झाडी करोनि ठाके उभा । तोचि येवढिया लाभा । गोसावी होय ।।९३।।
पाहे पां ओम् तत्सत् ऐसें । हें बोलणें तेथ नेतसे । जेथुनि कां हे प्रकाशें । दृश्यजात ।।९४।।
सुवर्णमणि सोनया । ये कल्लोळु जैसा पाणिया । तैसा मज धनंजया । शरण ये तूं ।।९५।।
म्हणौनि मी होऊन मातें । सेवणें आहे आयितें । तें करीं हाता येते । ज्ञानेश येणें ।।९६।।
यालागीं सुमनु आणि शुद्धमति । जो अनिंदकु अनन्यगति । पैं गा गौप्यहि परी तयाप्रति । चावळिजे सुखें ।।९७।।
तरि प्रस्तुत आता गुणीं इहीं । तूं वांचुन आण्विक नाहीं । म्हणौनि गुज तरि तुझ्याठायीं । लपवून नये ।।९८।।
ते हे मंत्ररहस्य गीता । मेळवी जो माझियां भक्तां । अनन्यजीवना माता । बाळकां जैसी ।।९९।।
तैसी भक्तां गीतेसी । भेटी करी जो आदरेंसि । तो देहापाठीं मजसी । येकचि होय ।।१००।।
ऐसें सर्वरूपरूपसें । सर्वदृष्टिडोळसें । सर्वदेशनिवासें । बोलिलें श्रीकृष्णें ।।१०१।।
हें शब्देंविण संवादिजें । इन्द्रियां नेणतां भोगिजें । बोलांआदि झोंबिजें । प्रमेयासि ।।१०२।।
जें अपेक्षिजें विरक्तीं । सदा अनुभविजें संतीं । सोहंभावें पारंगतीं । रमिजे जेथ ।।१०३।।
हें गीतानाम विख्यात । सर्व वाड्ऱ्मयाचें मथित । आत्मा जेणें हस्तगत । रत्न होय ।।१०४।।
वत्साचेनि वोरसें । दुभतें होय घरोद्देशें । जालें पांडवाचें मिषें । जगदुध्दरण ।।१०५।।
आतां विश्वात्मकें देवें । येणें वाग्यज्ञें तोषावें । तोषोनि मज द्यावें । पसायदान हें ।।१०६।।
जे खळांची व्यंकटी सांडो । तयां सत्कर्मीं रति वाढो । भूतां परस्परें पडो । मैत्र जीवाचें ।।१०७।।
तेथ म्हणें श्रीविश्वेश्वरावो । हा होईल दानपसावो । येणें वरें ज्ञानदेवो । सुखिया झाला ।१०८।।
भरोनि सद्भावाची अंजुळी । मियां वोंवियां फुलें मोकळीं । अर्पिलीं अंघ्रियुगुलीं । विश्वरूपाच्या ।।१०९।।
इति श्री स्वामी स्वरूपानन्द संपादितं श्रीभावार्थदीपिका-सार-स्तोत्रं संपूर्णम् ।। हरयेनमह: । हरयेनमह: । हरयेनमह: ।।
श्रीकृषणार्पणमस्तु
Monday, August 01, 2016
A STUDY OF HARI PAATH
(Devotional verses by Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj)
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj wrote three classical books, each meant for specific person or persons. Whereas Dnyaneshwari the masterpiece was for masses in general, Amrutanubhava chronicled his personal nectarine experiences as soliloquy (Atma-Samvaad) that highlight non-dual ( Advaita ) philosophy especially.
‘Changdev Pasashti’ in the form of a letter to Changdev comprises sixty five verses advising and educating Changdev. Dnyanadev also wrote innumerable hymns praising the Lord at Pandharpur, Panduranga Vitthal in particular.
“Hari Paath” is a bunch of verses that prod devotees to engage in incessant repetition of the Lord’s Name. He exhorts : - ‘Hari Mukhe Mhanaa Hari Mukhe Mhanaa / Punyaachi Ganana Kon Karee // ‘ , meaning ‘recite the name of Lord Hari, why care to judge reward thereof’!
श्री गणॆशाय नमः
१
दॆवाचियॆ द्वारीं उभा क्षणभरी . तॆणॆं मुक्ति चारी साधियॆल्य /
हरि मुखॆं म्हणा हरि मुखॆं म्हणा . पुण्याची गणना कॊण करी .. २.
The first verse says that even when one rests for a while at the Lord’s doorstep, all four forms of Liberation are granted to him unasked! Therefore, recite Name of the Lord incessantly !
Now, the ‘doorstep’ of the Lord is His Name, which guarantees Moksha or Liberation even if one does not aspire for it. Then, what is Moksha or Liberation after all ? In simple vernacular it would mean freedom from cycles of births and deaths, which all mortal beings in the world are subjected to! Mortal means that which must perish or ‘die’. Another interesting meaning of Moksha was furnished by a friend few years ago. He broke the word into two; Moha (fascination) and ‘Kshaya’ (decay, dissolution) ; the one who overcomes or gets rid of attachment altogether ! Again, Liberation or Mukti is described as fourfold in Vedantic parlance – Salokya, Samipya, Sarupya and Sayujya Mukti. ( Salokya means to be in the vicinity; Samipya means near ; Sarupya means same form and Sayujya means to become one with.) Now, to be in the vicinity, near, of same form or become one with what? With almighty God, Providence, Brahmam the eternal absolute !! Difficult to understand and assimilate undoubtedly. However, Swami explained it thus – first of all, you are in the light (Salokya), the light is near you (Samipya), the light is within you (Sarupya) and YOU are the LIGHT (Sayujya) !!
In fact, Realisation of the Truth that we ARE the Light (Brahmam) is verily Moksha or Liberation. However, that realisation or enlightenment can dawn only through one’s personal Sadhana and Grace from the Sadguru, which Sri Dnyanadev persistently advocates via his lyrics in Hari Paath.
असॊनि संसारीं जिव्हॆ वॆगु करी . वॆदशास्त्र उभारी बाह्या सदा .. ३..
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ व्यासाचिया खुणा . द्वारकॆचा राणा पांडवां घरीं .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says, one should engage in reciting the Name even while pursuing his worldly chores. Indeed, one should utilise every moment in recitation and therefore let the tongue train itself quickly in that pursuit. Let Vedas and Shastras enlighten those who have access to them but recitation of the Name is available to everyone.
Dnyanadev further states the marvel Vyasa Mahamuni creates when the Lord of Dwaraka, in fact that of entire Universe, is kith and kin to the Pandavas. Indeed, Arjuna was purity personified, which is why he was direct recipient of Lord Srikrishna’s advice, counsel and guidance.
२
चहूं वॆदीं जाण षट्शास्त्रीं कारण . अठराहीं पुराणॆं हरीसी गाती .. १..
Entire eighteen Puranas praise the Lord; why, even four Vedas and sixfold philosophies extol Him alone.
In fact, Vedas are innumerable; but the extremely brilliant Vyasa bunched those into four – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvanaveda. Therefore he is known as Veda Vyasa. The Vedas are said to emanate as snore of the Lord during His blissful Yoga-Nidra. The Lord is the basis, very cause for the sixfold Shastras or doctrines, the Shad Darshanas as well.
मंथुनी नवनीता तैसॆं घॆ अनंता . वायां व्यर्थ कथा सांडी मार्ग .. २..
Dnyanadev says that one should gather quintessence from the infinite knowledge just as butter is obtained through churning (curds) and discard the transient and worldly.
ऎक हरि आत्मा जीवशिव सम . वायां दुर्गमी न घालीं मन .. ३..
Almighty Lord, Atma and beings are just one single whole and therefore one need not entangle into contrary viewpoints or arguments. The Maooli stresses concept of monism, the non-dual Advaita philosophy.
ज्ञानदॆवा पाठ हरि हा वैकुंठ . भरला घनदाट हरि दिसॆ .. ४..
Dnyanadev says this praise unto the Lord Hari is verily heaven itself. Indeed, he can see the Lord pervading entire cosmos. He exhorts one and all to see the Lord in every sentient and insentient object; to treat and revere everyone alike, since the Lord is immanent in every being, creature and thing.
३
त्रिगुण असार निर्गुण हॆं सार . सारासार विचार हरिपाठ .. १..
Indeed, this Hari Paath conveys the very crux of spirituality ; that is, a clear distinction between transient and permanent, truth versus untruth, righteous and unrighteous, moral and immoral and so on. Moreover, the three attributes including Satva Guna are meaningless as compared to attribute lessens, which is desirable.
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj has elaborated upon the three attributes at length as well as transcendence of those. Indeed, the Divine is attribute less, being transcendental.
सगुण निर्गुण गुणांचॆं अगुण . हरिविणॆं मन व्यर्थ जाय .. २..
Whether with attributes or without, entire gamut of both is worthless if the mind is bereft of God Consciousness. It is said that an empty mind is devil’s workshop ! In fact, mind can never remain empty since it is made of bunch of thoughts alone. Now, one needs training the mind as to which thoughts would be beneficial and which harmful. And that would decide Godly or devilish traits of mind. Sri Dnyanadev says a mind as useless that does not remember the Lord Hari.
अव्यक्त निराकार नाही ज्या आकार . जॆथुनी चराचर त्यासी भजॆं .. ३..
The unmanifest, formless (Brahmam) has no shape, colour, countenance ; however, it creates entire cosmos that worships the Lord Divine alone!
ज्ञानदॆवा ध्यानीं रामकृष्ण मनीं अनंत जन्मांनीं पुण्य हॊय .. ४
Dnyanadev says the Lord as Rama and Krishna are ever present in his meditation since He verily resides in his conscience ! It takes innumerable births to acquire such great fortune.
There is an emphatic verse in Dnyaneshwari that reiterates penance of Satya Vrata observed through many eons that earned him fortune (of acquiring Geeta) ! Indeed, acquiring even Name of the Lord is a great boon in itself.
४
भावॆंवीण भक्ति भक्तिवीण मुक्ति . बळॆंवीण शक्ति बॊलूं नयॆ .. १..
Dnyanadev is explicit when he says that devotion without charged emotions or love unto the Divine is meaningless and deliverance without devotion is impossible. He further remarks that one should not boast being powerful without being strong enough !
कैसॆनि दैवत प्रसन्न त्वरित . उगा राहॆं निवांत शिणसी वायां .. १..
The Lord is so very benevolent that He is pleased instantly with devotion alone! Beings strive unduly while undertaking lot of penance, austerities, vows and so on. Instead, one should remain quiet and ‘Sahaja’ (at ease).
Indeed, learning to remain steady and ‘at ease’ is an art every spiritual aspirant needs cultivating. Chapter 2 in the Geeta highlights qualities of ‘Sthitapradnya’, one who is equipoised all the time. Devotion too should be spontaneous , intense and emotionally charged with Divine Love.
सायासॆं करिसी प्रपञ्च दिननिशीं . हरिसी न भजसी कॊण्या गुणॆ .. ३..
Beings engage themselves in worldly matters day and night while forgetting worship unto the Lord altogether. In fact, one remembers God only during calamity or distress ! One is hardly ever grateful during moments of happiness.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ हरिजप करणॆं . तुटॆल धरणॆं प्रपंचाचॆं .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj repeatedly exhorts to recite Name of Hari in order to break shackles of mundane worldly matters. In fact, beings are never aware of the fact that the world and worldly attractions are a bondage that do not allow beings true freedom; freedom from cycles of births and deaths. They keep adding loads of activity that result into additional destiny, which in turn must be endured during subsequent births !
५
यॊग याग विधी यॆणॆं नॊहॆ सिद्धि . वायांचि उपाधि दंभधर्म .. १..
Enlightenment or Realisation does not dawn through Yoga or rituals such as Yajnya and Yaga; that is sheer hypocrisy, a futile exercise. In fact, all such activities take place under aegis of Rajo-Guna, a close associate of Tamo-Guna; and therefore blunders and sin are quite likely.
भावॆंवीण दॆव न कळॆ निःसंदॆह . गुरुवीण अनुभव कैसा कळॆ .. २..
Almighty God cannot be understood without intense devotion for sure. Moreover, one does not experience one’s divinity without grace from Sadguru . One may be adept in Vedas and Shastras ; may have mastered entire scriptures ; may as well be proficient in Yoga too ; but true Realisation of one being Brahmam alone can only be experienced through grace of Sadguru. Which is why Guru is regarded as ‘Parabrahma’, the Supreme One !
तपॆवीण दैवत दिधल्यावीण प्राप्त . गुजॆवीण हित कॊण सांगॆ .. ३..
Good fortune does not accrue without toiling hard (in worldly matters), just as gaining is not possible without giving. A classical example would be pure gold, which cannot be obtained without subjecting it to intense heat. Or else bountiful rainy season follows after intense summer.
Dnyanadev says that until something is jettisoned, gain does not accrue. It is indeed an unwritten rule that loss and gain are directly proportional; as you sow, so shall you reap! It is particularly relevant in spiritual parlance, since abandoning entire desires and attachments lead to tranquility and peace – verily hallmark of Sthitapradnya .
Dnyanadev further asks as to whoever would give beneficial counsel except a well wisher ? Indeed, one’s parents, the Sadguru, spouse, children and loyal friends can be listed besides of course, spiritual texts such as the Geeta, Dnyaneshwari, Dasbodh and the likes. India and especially Maharashtra have been very fortunate in producing Saints of exceptional caliber, who led the masses on to right path through precept and example.
ज्ञानदॆव सांगे दृष्टांताची मात . साधूंचे संगती तरणोपाय .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj narrates marvel of epiphany ( a sudden intuitive perception or revelation of / or insight into reality ; a sudden appearance of vision, message or advise ; sudden manifestation or appearance of deity ; ‘Drishtanta’) and says that company or proximity of noble Saintly person guides unto path of deliverance .
There have been umpteen instances where people were guided on to correct decisions when in doubt; or else, warned beforehand against imminent catastrophes etc. Moreover, sudden appearance of deity or his counsel have benefitted many, leading them on Royal path of devotion.
६
साधुबॊध झाला तॊ नुरॊनियां ठॆला . ठायींच मुराला अनुभव.. १..
The one instructed or initiated by Saints is Enlightened or a Realised one ; therefore, his name, fame and merit persist even when he discards the mortal body. His ecstatic experience just merges in itself without remainder.
कापुराची वाती उजळली ज्यॊती . ठायींच समाप्ती झाली जैसी .. २..
Or else, just as wick made of camphor emits effulgence and disappears altogether on burning off-
मॊक्षरॆखॆं आला भाग्यॆ विनटला . साधूचा अंकिला हरिभक्त .. ३..
Lord’s devotee blessed by Saints reaches shores of deliverance by virtue of his great fortune amassed. Indeed, the one possessing Saint’s blessings becomes a special guest for the Lord; so much is the authority of Saints!
ज्ञानदॆवा गॊडी संगती सज्जनीं . हरि दिसॆ जनीं वनीं आत्मतत्त्वीं .. ४..
Dnyanadev nurtures penchant for company of the noble, meek and Saintly; moreover, he sees Lord Hari alone, be it peoples, forests or within himself.
In fact, the Knowledge and experience of the Lord’s omniscience , omnipotence and omnipresence is the crux of spirituality . One can begin practicing and experiencing it once one is convinced that there is nothing else except the Lord. Noble and elite company of Saints, scriptures and above all, Grace from Sadguru make one arrive at that conviction.
७
पर्वताप्रमाणॆं पातक करणॆं . वज्रलॆप हॊणॆं अभक्तांसी .. १..
Those non-devotees engaged in huge sinister deeds are subjected to harsh punishment akin to hitting by thunderbolt .
नाहीं ज्यांसी भक्ति तॆ पतित अभक्त . हरीसी न भजत दैवहत .. २..
Indeed, those devoid of devotion are truly fallen, sinner non-devotees. Those are certainly unfortunate, since they do not worship Lord Hari.
अनंत वाचाळ बरळती बरळ . त्यां कैंचा दयाळ पावॆ हरी .. ३..
There are innumerable loquacious , talkative individuals that keep blabbering trash; how can they ever attain the compassionate Lord Hari ?
Indeed, Swami has said that ‘Voice of the Lord can only be heard in the depth of silence’. Which is why ‘Mouna’ or Silence is the hallmark of Saints.
ज्ञानदॆवा प्रमाण आत्मा हा निधान . सर्वांघटीं पूर्ण एक नांदॆ .. ४..
Dnyanadev is convinced that Atma is the very treasure stored in each and everyone fully and completely .
८
संतांचॆ संगती मनॊमार्ग गती . आकळावा श्रीपति यॆणॆं पंथॆं .. १..
Company of the enlightened encourages rapid spiritual progress and the Lord (Sripati) can be recognised by trudging this very path.
Various means are prescribed to understand the Divine, which include Karma, Bhakti, Yoga, Dhyana and Jnyana (actions such as Yajnya, Yaga etc, devotion unto the Lord, Yoga including Hatayoga, meditation and Knowledge respectively). However, company of the enlightened Saints gives an additional thrust, direction and enthusiasm that has been experience of many aspirants through centuries. Moreover, even the places sanctified by the Saint’s habitat prove to be powerful inspirations to many.
रामकृष्ण वाचा भाव हा जीवाचा . आत्मा जॊ शिवाचा राम जप .. २..
Reciting sacred names such as Rama and Krishna exhibit benevolent nature of beings. Indeed, Lord Shiva Shankar recites name of Sri Rama as His very Atma !
एकतत्वनाम साधिती साधन . द्वैताचे बंधन न बांधिजे .. ३..
Sadhana or spiritual practice is accomplished through recitation of the Name that envisages a single doctrine. Even while names of the Lord are numerous (All names are His !), the tenet is one. Therefore, there is no bondage of ‘duality’ (or even multiplicity !) between Name and Naamee, the one reciting !
In fact, the Lord says, ‘call Me by any name, I shall respond’! He even says that there is no wonder in His response to calling Him with devotion, since He liberates even those who ridicule Him, citing Kamsa and Shishupala !
नामामृत गॊडी वैष्णवां लाधली . यॊगियां साधली जीवनकळा .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says devotees of Vishnu (Vaishnava) experience nectarine sweetness while reciting Name (of the Lord), just as Yogies acquire very basis of life principle.
In fact, path of Yoga is difficult, arduous and fraught with dangers and pitfalls. Only those adept in it reach through perseverance ; awakening of Kundalini Shakti, her upward travel through Sushumna up to Brahmarandhra and final mergence into Chidakash is indeed a great Yogic feat in itself that leads to Realisation of Reality. A difficult and almost impossible proposition for the ordinary aspirant.
However, recitation of The Name is simpler, enjoyable and yields the same fruit !!
सत्वर उच्चार प्रल्हादी बिंबला . उद्धवा लाधला कृष्णदाता .. ५..
The Name quickly sunk into basso of Pralhad the juvenile devotee of the Lord, while another great devotee Uddhav acquired the compassionate Lord Srikrishna (through recitation of the Name).
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नाम हॆं सुलभ . सर्वत्र दुर्लभ विरळा जाणॆ .. ६..
Dnyanadev says recitation of the Name is indeed very easy to acquire, which a very rare person finds as scarce.
९
विष्णुविणॆं जप व्यर्थ त्याचॆं ज्ञान . रामकृष्णीं मन नाहीं ज्याचॆ .. १..
Knowledge or wisdom is futile for the one who has no devotion unto Ramakrishna and the one who does not recite Name of Sri Vishnu.
Indeed, there may be myriads of intellectuals that are knowledgeable and perhaps wise too. However, even their lives remain unfulfilled since they miss the basic tenet, that of self-realisation ! Self-realisation can ensue through enlightenment, the awareness of one’s own Divinity, which in turn results from devotion unto the Divine alone !!Therefore it is aptly said that knowledge without devotion is futile.
उपजॊनी करंटा नॆणॆं अद्वैत वाटा . रामकृष्णीं पैठा कैसा हॊय .. २..
A congenitally wretched and unfortunate person is unaware of non-dual tenets and therefore how can he stabilise into the Lord’s Name?
द्वैताची झाडणी गुरुविण ज्ञान . त्या कैंचॆं कीर्तन घडॆ नामीं .. ३..
The one who cannot get rid of ‘duality’, (which is only possible through enlightenment from the Sadguru), how can he engage in singing the Lord’s Name?
True knowledge or enlightenment is acquired through Grace from the Sadguru who wipes off notions of duality, the duality of being separate from God, by kindling our latent spark of Divinity. Holding the disciple’s hand He takes him up to stage of “Tat Tvam Asi” (You Are THAT) . He gives a Name for recitation to begin with and keeps guiding the disciple through his journey.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ सगुण हॆं ध्यान . नामपाठ मौन प्रपंचाचॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says meditate on the Form (of the Lord) and quiet recitation of the Name during worldly chores.
Indeed, it is very difficult to meditate on the formless ; some symbol is necessary such as flame or image. Let sweetness of Lord’s Name keep rolling over the tongue quietly while engaged in worldly activities. Meditating on the form of Lord will help visualising everyone and everything as Lord alone while Name of the Lord rolling over the tongue will refrain her from slander, calumnies and the likes ! Thus Name and Form of the Lord shall ever remain with the devotee, negating entire ‘duality’!
१०
त्रिवॆणीसंगमीं नाना तीर्थॆं भ्रमीं . चित्त नाहीं नामीं तरी तॆ व्यर्थ .. १..
Even while undertaking holy pilgrimages to various sacred places such as confluence of three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayag, those turn out as an exercise in futility, if mind is not focussed on the Name.
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasises recitation of the Name with full concentration and regards Naama Sadhana superior to all other forms of devotion. In fact, there is need to cultivate habit of Namasmarana along with visualising Form of the Lord since name and form of the Lord are inseparable.
नामासी विन्मुख तॊ नर पापिया . हरीविण धांवया न पावॆ कॊणी .. २..
Dnyanadev says the one turning away from recitation of the Name is a sinner; indeed, nobody can progress without Lord Hari as protagonist.
पुराणप्रसिद्ध बॊलिलॆ वाल्मिक . नामॆं तिन्ही लॊक उद्धरती .. ३..
The legendary Sage Valmiki has vouchsafed that recitation of the Name uplifts entire three worlds.
Sage Valmiki was a robber during his earlier years; however, he was initiated into Naama Sadhana which he pursued diligently and was enlightened. He is author of the great epic Ramayana. His story is a glaring example of even a sinner becoming an enlightened Sage through Namasmarana .
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नाम जपा हरिचॆं . परंपरा त्याचॆं कुळ शुद्ध .. ४..
Dnyanadev repeatedly pleads recitation of Lord’s Name that has power to purify entire clan of the family ancestry.
११
हरि उच्चारणीं अनंत पापराशी . जातील लयाशी क्षणमात्रॆं .. १..
Name of the Lord is so powerful that while uttering ‘Hari Hari’, infinite mounds of sin get pulverised and destroyed in a jiffy !
तृण अग्निमॆळॆं समरस झालॆं . तैसॆं नामॆं कॆलॆं जपता हरी .. २..
Association of a blade of grass with fire makes it one with it; likewise, recitation of the Name makes the Naami one with the Lord. He just merges in Him !
हरि उच्चारण मंत्र हा अगाध . पळॆ भूतबाधा भेणें तेथें.. ३..
Indeed, reciting Name of Hari is a profound Mantra, a mystique formula that causes fear of being possessed by ghosts and spirits vanish altogether .
In fact, fear of ‘ghosts’, ‘spirits’ etc is borne out of ignorance; indeed, it is a scarecrow that does not exist at all. If God pervades everything, where is room for ghosts and the likes anyway ? However, in order to get rid of that phobia recitation of the Name is extremely useful undoubtedly.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ हरि माझा समर्थ . न करवॆ अर्थ उपनिषदां .. ४..
Dnyanadev says ‘my’ Hari is so very powerful and competent that even Upanishads are inadequate to gauge His Might. He grants everything unasked and looks after my welfare too.
१२
तीर्थ व्रत नॆम भावॆवीण सिद्धी . वायांची उपाधी करिसी जनां .. १..
Holy pilgrimages, vows , austerities and even acquisition of occult powers are exercises in futility as long as intensity of devotion are lacking. In fact, those prove to be a burden, austentious pomp among people instead !
भावबळॆं आकळॆ यॆरवी नाकळॆ . करतळीं आंवळॆ तैसा हरी .. २..
The Lord can only be recognised through intense love unto Him, not otherwise. In fact, surcharged devotion unto Him makes the latent Lord patent, like myrobalans (‘Avalaa’ – a fruit) put over palm
पारियाचा रवा घॆतां भूमीवरी . यत्न परॊपरी साधन तैसॆं .. ३..
Sadhana or spiritual practices performed incessantly and with all out effort are akin to gathering Mercury particles splashed on the floor.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ निवृत्ति निर्गुण . दिधलॆं संपूर्ण माझॆ हातीं .. ४..
However, Dnyanadev says, Sadguru Nivruttinath has handed over entire gamut of attribute lessens fully and completely unto me !
It is perhaps greatest of achievements to transcend all three attributes, namely Satva, Raja and Tama. Indeed these three are responsible for entire play of Maya or Prakriti and getting rid of the three Gunas or attributes makes unreal ‘appearance’ of the visible world void or non-existent. On that occasion duality of Purusha and Prakriti vanishes altogether and what remains is pure unsullied Brahmam alone ! Which is why Dnyanadev is grateful to Sadguru Nivruttinath (for granting boon of attribute lessens unto him ).
१३
समाधी हरीची समसुखॆंवीण . न साधॆल जाण द्वैतबुध्दी.. १..
Ecstatic joy of being one with the Lord is unparalleled ; it cannot result through dualistic approach .
Indeed the word Samadhi denotes oneness with the Divine. The ‘Ashtanga-Yoga’ postulates eight steps that culminate into the eighth as Samadhi. Beginning with Yama and Niyama
बुद्धीचॆं वैभव अन्य नाहीं दुजॆं . एक्या कॆशवराजॆ सकळ सिद्धी.. २..
Glory of intelligence cannot be compared to that of Keshavraj (Lord Srikrishna ); indeed, He possesses entire knowledge, wisdom and occult powers. We tend to gauge or understand mystery of Divinity with the help of intellect; however, it is beyond the ken of intellect alone ; devotion may help!
ऋद्धि सिद्धि अन्य निधि अवघीच उपाधी . जंव त्या परमानंदी मन नाहीं .. ३..
Possessing immense wealth, occult powers or their paraphernalia are just epithets or burden unless the mind is not riveted in blissful experience of the Lord’s Presence.
ज्ञानदॆवीं रम्य रमलॆं समाधान . हरीचॆं चिंतन सर्वकाळ .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharashtra experiences immensely pleasant self-satisfaction by virtue of contemplation and meditation of Lord Hari all the time.
One of my elderly friend had once remarked that while meditating over the Lord’s bewitching form and smile one is naturally enthralled. However, one should be able to maintain that ecstatic and tranquil state longer even after meditation. One should refrain from talking or undertaking activity at least for some time, in order to ruminate over that pleasing experience.
१४
नित्य सत्यमित हरिपाठ ज्यासी . कळिकाळ त्यासी न पाहॆ दृष्टी .. १..
The one reciting Hari Paath melodiously all the time is saved from sinister and deadly catastrophes.
रामकृष्ण उच्चार अनंतराशी तप . पापाचॆ कळप पळती पुढॆं .. २..
Reciting the Name Ramakrishna is equivalent to infinite mounds of penance and therefore flocks of sin run away hither and thither.
हरि हरि हरि मंत्र हा शिवाचा . म्हणती जॆ वाचा तया मॊक्ष .. ३..
Hari Hari Hari is the Name Sri Shiva Shankar keeps repeating as Mantra. Indeed, all those reciting the same attain Moksha !
ज्ञानदॆवा पाठ नारायण नाम . पाविजॆ उत्तम निज स्थान .. ४..
Dnyanadev repeats Narayan Narayan Narayan as Mantra and that Name also guaranties the best abode, namely Narayan Himself !
१५
एक नाम हरि द्वैतनाम दुरी . अद्वैतकुसरी विरळा जाणॆ .. १..
All Names being the Lord’s Names any Name uttered results into one single boon, that is Liberation itself ! However, only a rare one understands this unique concept of non-dualism.
समबुद्धि घॆतां समान श्रीहरी . शमदमांवेरी हरि झाला .. २..
Lord Sri Hari is equanimous when seen with vision possessing equanimity equipoise and equality; Sri Hari can also be seen with strict sense and mind control as an embodiment of peace.
सर्वांघटी राम दॆहादॆहीं एक . सूर्य प्रकाशक सहस्ररश्मी .. ३..
Lord Sri Ram dwells in every sentient and insentient object including entire beings as one single whole, just as a single Sun illumines entire universe through thousands of Sun rays.
ज्ञानदॆवा चित्तीं हरिपाठ नॆमा . मागिलिया जन्मा मुक्त झालॊं .. ४..
Dnyanadev’s conscience has cultivated habit of reciting Haripaath as a vow, which has liberated him from cycles of births and deaths.
१६
हरिनाम जपॆ तॊ नर दुर्लभ . वाचॆसी सुलभ राम कृष्ण .. १..
The one reciting Name of Hari is rarely encountered. In fact, it is very easy for the tongue to utter Rama Krishna !
राम कृष्ण नामीं उन्मनी साधली . तयासी लाधली सकळ सिद्धि .. २..
The one getting ecstatically immersed in the Name Ram Krishna Hari acquires all forms of occult powers. Indeed, Namasmarana Sadhana is advocated and extolled all over India. In addition to being perhaps the easiest, it is available to one and all ;all age groups, any caste or creed and any gender. Moreover, it is enjoyable for the one engaged in the same to such an extent that he gets immersed in the joy thereof.
It is experience of many that a devout Naami acquires ‘Vacha Siddhi’, which means whatever he speaks, just happens!
सिद्धि बुद्धि धर्म हरिपाठीं आलॆ . प्रपंची निमालॆ साधुसंगॆ .. ३..
Recitation of Haripaath bestows occult powers, sharpened intellect and righteousness in due course of time; moreover, company of Saints grants cool comfort in worldly affairs as well.
ज्ञानदॆवीं नाम रामकृष्ण ठसा . तॆणॆं दशदिशा आत्माराम .. ४..
Names of Ram and Krishna are engraved in Dnyanadev’s conscience, which is why he sees Atma Ram (Indwelling Ram) pervading entire ten directions.
Indeed, there is a saying ‘ if you want to see yourself, look within and if God, look out as well’! In fact, Divinity pervades everything including us ; however, the ‘vision’ to see Divinity accrues through Namasmarana .
१७
हरिपाठकीर्ति मुखॆं जरी गाय . पवित्रचि हॊय दॆह त्याचा .. १..
Even while the tongue engages in singing glory of Haripaath, his entire body becomes holy and sacred.
तपाचॆ सामर्थ्यॆ तपिन्नला अमूप . चिरंजीव कल्प वैकुंठीं नांदॆ .. २..
Moreover, the one undertaking intense penance is a ‘Tapasvi’, an ascetic who dwells in heaven eternally.
माता पिता बंधू सगॊत्र अपार . चतुर्भुज नर हॊऊनि ठॆलॆ .. ३..
Although the mother, father, brother and innumerable kith and kin appear as individual entities, all are basically the self-same Lord Hari, the four armed bewitching One !
ज्ञान गूढगम्य ज्ञानदॆवा लाधलॆं . निवृत्तीनॆं दिधलॆं माझॆं हातीं .. ४..
This unique and mysterious knowledge ( of cognising Unity in Diversity ) which Dnyanadev received, has been handed over by none other than Sadguru Nivruttinath.
१८
हरिवंशपुराण हरिनाम संकीर्तन . हरिविण सौजन्य नॆणॆ कॊणी .. १..
The one narrating glorious stories, exploits, pranks and experiences besides singing aloud various names of the Lord ; moreover, having allegiance and devotion to none other than Lord, such a one --
त्या नरा लाधलॆं वैकुंठ जॊडलॆं . सकळही घडलॆं तीर्थाटण .. २..
--Such a one attains heavenly pleasures (Vaikuntha), has acquired everything and has accomplished entire pilgrimages as well
मनॊमार्गॆं गॆला तॊ येथे मुकला . हरिपाठीं स्थिरावला तॊचि धन्य .. ३..
The one following dictates of the mind is likely to get lost, likely to take to wrong path; however, the one firmly established in (teachings of) Haripaath is blessed.
Indeed, the mind is most vulnerable to act irrationally being slave to senses. Therefore it needs to train itself in devotional pursuits such as Haripaath.
ज्ञानदॆवा गॊडी हरिनामाची जॊडी . रामकृष्णी आवडी सर्वकाळ .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says, let penchant for sweetness in Name of the Lord inculcate ; let fondness for Ramkrishna ensue all the time.
१९
नामसंकीर्तन वैष्णवांची जॊडी . पापॆं अनंत कॊटी गॆलीं त्यांची .. १..
Devotees of Vishnu ( Vaishnava ) engage themselves into Naama Sankeertana (singing aloud glories of the Lord), whereby millions of sin get atoned.
अनंत जन्मांचॆं तप एक नाम . सर्व मार्ग सुगम हरिपाठी .. २..
One acquires Name of the Lord on account of penance undertaken through innumerable births. Moreover, reciting Haripaath makes entire means of acquiring Knowledge easily accessible.
यॊग याग क्रिया धर्माधर्म माया . गॆलॆ तॆ विलया हरिपाठें.. ३..
Recitations of Haripaath make entire paraphernalia of Yoga, Yaga, rituals, theocracy, blasphemy, unrighteousness as well as righteousness, secularism, fanaticism , sin, merit, Maya etc vanish altogether !
ज्ञानदॆवी यज्ञ याग क्रिया धर्म . हरीविण नॆम नाहीं दुजा .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj says, more than Yajnya, Yaga, rituals and religious practices etc, it is Name of the Lord that matters most, nothing less than that !
२०
वॆदशास्त्रप्रमाण श्रुतीचॆं वचन . एक नारायण सार जप .. १..
Shruties vouchsafed Veda and Shastra as authentic ; however, Name of the Lord is their very quintessence.
जप तप कर्म हरिवीण धर्म . वाउगाचि श्रम व्यर्थ जाय .. २..
Undertaking, recitation , penance, rituals and religious practices without the Lord is an exercise in futility.
हरीपाठी गॆलॆ तॆ निवांताचि ठॆलॆ . भ्रमर गुंतलॆ सुमनकळिकॆ .. ३..
Those engaged in recitations of Haripaath became peaceful, quiet and at ease like beetles trapped within flower buds.
ज्ञानदॆवीं मंत्र हरिनामाचॆं शस्त्र . यमॆं कुळगॊत्र वर्जियॆलॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says, Name of the Lord as Mantra is verily a weapon, which makes Yama the God of death avoid entire ancestry and lineage.
२१
काळ वॆळ नाम उच्चारितां नाहीं . दॊन्ही पक्ष पाहीं उद्धरती .. १..
There is no restriction as to time and place for reciting the lord’s Name, since both Name and Naami are emancipated.
रामकृष्ण नाम सर्व दॊषां हरण . जडजीवां तारण हरि एक.. २..
Name of Rama and Krishna destroys entire faults and shortcomings since Lord is the saviour for things and beings.
हरिनाम सार जिव्हा या नामाची . उपमा त्या दैवाची कॊण वानी .. ३..
Who can ever describe great fortune of the tongue that engages in reciting Name of the Lord ?
ज्ञानदॆवा सांग झाला हरिपाठ . पूर्वजां वैकुंठ मार्ग सॊपा .. ४..
Dnyanadev says, entire lineage easily attains path unto heaven by virtue of Haripaath, through continued recitation of the Lord’s Name.
२२
नित्यनॆम नामीं तॆ प्राणी दुर्लभ . लक्षुमीवल्लभ तयां जवळी .. १..
Those incessantly engaged in reciting the Lord’s Name are scarce indeed. Nevertheless, the Lord of Lords Srimannarayana, the husband of Devi Laxmi is ever near those doing so.
नारायण हरी नारायण हरी . भुक्ति मुक्ति चारी घरीं त्यांच्या .. २..
Entire worldly pleasures as well as all four forms of deliverance inhabit homes of those continuously reciting the Lord’s Name, Narayan Hari Narayan Hari.
हरिविणें जन्म तो नर्कचि पैं जाणा . यमाचा पाहुणा प्राणी हॊय .. ३..
A life without Lord Hari must be regarded as virtual hell ; such beings are guests of honour for the God of Death Yamaraj !
ज्ञानदॆव पुसॆ निवृत्तिसी चाड . गगनाहूनि वाड नाम आहॆ .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj is in absolute agreement with Sadguru Nivruttinath , who confirms that Name of the Lord is greatest even than the sky.
२३
सात पांच तीन दशकांचा मॆळा . एकतत्वीं कळा दावी हरी .. १..
?? In a bunch of seven hundred fifty three verses of the Geeta the Lord conveys entire gamut of a single doctrine, which says that He pervades everything everywhere forever ! ??
तैसॆं नव्हॆ नाम सर्वमार्गां वरिष्ठ . तॆथॆं कांहीं कष्ट न लागती .. २..
However, it is not so as far as reciting the Name is concerned since there is no toiling or labour whatever !
अजपा जपणॆं उलट प्राणाचा . यॆथॆंही मनाचा निर्धार असॆ .. ३..
It is indeed arduous to practice Pranayama and paraphernalia of Ashtanga Yoga as well as Ajapa-Japa for ordinary lay individuals, which requires strong willpower.
ज्ञानदॆवा जिणॆं नामॆंविण व्यर्थ . रामकृष्णीं पंथ क्रमियॆला .. ४..
Dnyanadev advocates pursuing path of reciting Name of Rama Krishna, since it is futile to live on without it.
२४
जप तप कर्म क्रिया नॆम धर्म . सर्वांघटीं राम भाव शुद्ध.. १..
Whether one pursues Japa (reciting the Name), Tapa (penance), Karma (rituals), Kriya (Yoga Yaga), Nema (vows) or other religious practices, it is essential to keep in mind that Sri Ram dwells in entire things and beings.
न सांडीं हा भावॊ टाकी रॆ संदॆहॊ . रामकृष्णीं टाहॊ नित्य फॊडी .. २..
Do not discard this sentiment, abandon entire doubts and engage yourselves in calling out for Rama Krishna all the time.
जात वित्त गॊत्र कुळ शीळ मात . भजें कां त्वरित भावनायुक्त .. ३..
Caste, riches, ancestry and lineage etc are superfluous and trivial. Instead, why not engage in devotional worship unto the Lord right away !
ज्ञानदॆवा ध्यानीं रामकृष्ण मनीं . वैकुंठभुवनीं घर कॆलॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says he meditates upon Ramakrishna that dwells in his heart. Indeed, he resides verily in heaven itself !
२५
जाणीव नॆणीव भगवंतीं नाही . हरि उच्चारणीं पाही मॊक्ष सदा .. १..
The Lord is neither aware or unmindful since He transcends both, in fact everything.
Indeed, He is extolled as transcending the three forms of ‘body’, three types of ‘Kaala’, three Gunas or attributes, three states of status etc. (Tvam dehatrayateetah, Tvam kaalatrayateetah, Tvam gunatrayateetah, Tvam avasthatrayateetah – as quoted in the famous Ganapati Atharvasheersha stotram )!
Therefore, Dnyanadev says, you shall be Liberated through just reciting the Name of the Lord, Hari.
नारायण हरी उच्चार नामाचा . तॆणें कळिकाळाचा रीघ नाहीं .. २..
Even death is disallowed wherever the Name Narayana Hari is recited.
That is why entire Saints extol power and might of reciting Name of the Lord, which is especially advocated in the present Kali-Yuga !
तॆथील प्रमाण नॆणवॆ वॆदांसी . तॆं जीवजंतूंसीं कॆवीं कळॆ .. ३..
Even Vedas, very repository of entire Knowledge, were dumbfounded when it came to description of the Divine Lord, verily Para-Brahmam Itself ! Therefore, how can it be ever cognised by ordinary peoples, Dnyanadev asks.
ज्ञानदॆव फळ नारायण पाठ . सर्वत्र वैकुंठ कॆलॆं असॆ .. ४..
However, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj hastens to add that he got the fruit, namely enlightenment about nature of the Lord through mere recitation of the Name Narayana Hari Narayana Hari ! Moreover, The Name Itself is heaven all around !!
Indeed, Dnyanadev has reiterated that Devotion is the culmination, very fruit itself. Whereas devotion is usually considered as a ‘means’ to reach the divine, Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj extols Devotion as the very ‘goal’ ! He has further described devotion as the Fifth Purushartha that tramples down the foursome Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha !!
२६
एकतत्त्व नाम दृढ धरीं मना . हरीसी करुणा यॆईल तुझी .. १..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj repeatedly advocates to take Name of the Lord to heart with unwavering conviction. He guarantees that the Lord shall show mercy, shall be compassionate for sure.
तॆं नाम सॊपॆं रॆ रामकृष्ण गॊविंद . वाचॆसी सद्गद जपॆ आधीं .. २..
He pleads, the Name Ram Krishna Govind is indeed so very easy to utter O Beings ! Therefore keep it rolling over your tongue fervently enough.
नामापरतॆं तत्त्व नाहीं रॆ अन्यथा . वायां आणि पंथा जाशी झणी .. ३..
O Loved Ones ! There is no other doctrine than the Name, which is truly fulfilling. Therefore do not be deluded into other ones that may be detrimental ( to you ) .
ज्ञानदॆवा मौन जपमाळ अंतरी . धरॊनी श्रीहरी जपॆ सदा .. ४..
Dnyanadev recites the Name silently while the Lord residing within holds the rosary and counts beads all the time.
In fact, repeating the Name incessantly and silently is an art every aspirant must cultivate. Outer paraphernalia of rosary etc may benefit beginners all right but it must not result into exhibitionism and hypocrisy. All forms of pompous devotion must be avoided. We do find many advanced aspirants that prefer solitude and engaged in Naama Sadhana silently.
२७
सर्व सुख गॊडी साही शास्त्रॆं निवडी . रिकामा अर्धघडी राहूं नकॊ .. १..
You may chose to enjoy sweetness from any of the sixfold philosophies, but do not remain idle even momentarily without Name (over your tongue).
लटिका व्यवहार सर्व हा संसार . वायां यॆरझार हरिवीण.. २..
Entire mundane world and worldly activities are fictitious ; it is futile indeed, this visible world and sojourns therein without the Lord.
नाममंत्र जप कॊटी जाईल पाप . रामकृष्णीं संकल्प धरूनी राहॆ .. ३..
Reciting the Name shall ensure entire sin disappearing; therefore establish yourselves in the Name Ram Krishna Hari !
निजवृत्ति काढी, माया तॊडी . इंद्रियांसवडी लपूं नकॊ .. ४..
Abandon self-centred body consciousness , break off shackles of Maya the unreal, fictitious and enchanting damsel; do not get entangled into sensuality and its vagaries.
तीर्थव्रतीं भाव, धरीं रॆ करुणा . शांति दया, पाहुणा हरि करीं .. ५..
You should revere holy pilgrimages and vows too; let compassion, peace and kindness unto all make the Lord Himself your guest of honour.
ज्ञानदेवा प्रमाण निवृत्तीदेवीं ज्ञान / समाधि संजीवन हरिपाठ ...६
Dnyanadev is convinced that entire Knowledge and wisdom belongs to Sadguru Nivruttinath ; indeed, this Haripaath is verily life sustaining elixir that bestows Samadhi, the equipoised tranquil state !
२८
अभंग हरिपाठ असती अठ्ठावीस . रचिलॆ विश्वासॆं ज्ञानदॆवॆं .. १..
This bunch of twenty eight verses that constitute Haripaath is confidently woven by Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
नित्य पाठ करी इंद्रायणीतीरीं . हॊय अधिकारी सर्वथा तॊ .. २..
The one reciting these everyday seated along banks of River Indrayani is entitled to be a Master in all respects.
असावॆं एकाग्रीं स्वस्थ चित्त मन . उल्हासॆं करून स्मरण जीवी .. ३..
He should make his conscience calm and serene with one-pointed attention and enthusiastically meditate on the Divine Lord.
अंतकाळीं तैसा संकटाचॆं वॆळीं . हरि तया सांभाळी अंतर्बाह्य .. ४..
The Lord shall take care of him inside out at the time of death as well as during critical times.
संतसज्जनानीं घॆतली प्रचीती . आळशी मंदमती कॆवीं तरॆं .. ५..
Saints and the noble ones have experience (grace from the Lord); how can the lazy and slow witted understand and be saved ?
श्रीगुरु निवृत्ति वचन प्रॆमळ . तॊषला तात्काळ ज्ञानदॆव .. ६..
Sadguru Sri Nivrutti’s words are lovely, which made Dnyanadev contented immediately !
२९
कॊणाचॆं हॆं घर हा दॆह कॊणाचा . आत्माराम त्याचा तॊचि जाणॆ .. १..
Who exactly owns this abode and who this body ? In fact, the indweller is the Atma, the Lord as Atmarama that knows Himself !
मी तूं हा विचार विवॆकें शॊधावा . गॊविंदा माधवा याच दॆहीं .. २..
One should discern the concept of You and Me through intuitive discrimination, so also Govinda Madhava while in this very body.
दॆहीं ध्याता ध्यान त्रिपुटीवॆगळा . सहस्र दळीं उगवला सूर्य जैसा .. ३..
The indweller Atmarama is different from the threesome namely meditator, object of meditation and meditation itself being transcendental just as the Sun that ‘rises’ along with a thousand Sun rays that are not, the Sun !
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नयनाची ज्यॊती . या नावॆं रूपॆं तुम्ही जाणा .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj concludes by exhorting to look at this Haripaath as effulgent Apple of the Eye and know it as very name and form of Hari !
.. इति श्रीज्ञानदॆव हरिपाठ समाप्त ..
Thus, Sri Dnyanadev Haripaath comes to close !!
“SRI KRiSHARPANAMASTU”
Dr. P. S. Rahalkar
31 July 2016. London
(Devotional verses by Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj)
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj wrote three classical books, each meant for specific person or persons. Whereas Dnyaneshwari the masterpiece was for masses in general, Amrutanubhava chronicled his personal nectarine experiences as soliloquy (Atma-Samvaad) that highlight non-dual ( Advaita ) philosophy especially.
‘Changdev Pasashti’ in the form of a letter to Changdev comprises sixty five verses advising and educating Changdev. Dnyanadev also wrote innumerable hymns praising the Lord at Pandharpur, Panduranga Vitthal in particular.
“Hari Paath” is a bunch of verses that prod devotees to engage in incessant repetition of the Lord’s Name. He exhorts : - ‘Hari Mukhe Mhanaa Hari Mukhe Mhanaa / Punyaachi Ganana Kon Karee // ‘ , meaning ‘recite the name of Lord Hari, why care to judge reward thereof’!
श्री गणॆशाय नमः
१
दॆवाचियॆ द्वारीं उभा क्षणभरी . तॆणॆं मुक्ति चारी साधियॆल्य /
हरि मुखॆं म्हणा हरि मुखॆं म्हणा . पुण्याची गणना कॊण करी .. २.
The first verse says that even when one rests for a while at the Lord’s doorstep, all four forms of Liberation are granted to him unasked! Therefore, recite Name of the Lord incessantly !
Now, the ‘doorstep’ of the Lord is His Name, which guarantees Moksha or Liberation even if one does not aspire for it. Then, what is Moksha or Liberation after all ? In simple vernacular it would mean freedom from cycles of births and deaths, which all mortal beings in the world are subjected to! Mortal means that which must perish or ‘die’. Another interesting meaning of Moksha was furnished by a friend few years ago. He broke the word into two; Moha (fascination) and ‘Kshaya’ (decay, dissolution) ; the one who overcomes or gets rid of attachment altogether ! Again, Liberation or Mukti is described as fourfold in Vedantic parlance – Salokya, Samipya, Sarupya and Sayujya Mukti. ( Salokya means to be in the vicinity; Samipya means near ; Sarupya means same form and Sayujya means to become one with.) Now, to be in the vicinity, near, of same form or become one with what? With almighty God, Providence, Brahmam the eternal absolute !! Difficult to understand and assimilate undoubtedly. However, Swami explained it thus – first of all, you are in the light (Salokya), the light is near you (Samipya), the light is within you (Sarupya) and YOU are the LIGHT (Sayujya) !!
In fact, Realisation of the Truth that we ARE the Light (Brahmam) is verily Moksha or Liberation. However, that realisation or enlightenment can dawn only through one’s personal Sadhana and Grace from the Sadguru, which Sri Dnyanadev persistently advocates via his lyrics in Hari Paath.
असॊनि संसारीं जिव्हॆ वॆगु करी . वॆदशास्त्र उभारी बाह्या सदा .. ३..
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ व्यासाचिया खुणा . द्वारकॆचा राणा पांडवां घरीं .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says, one should engage in reciting the Name even while pursuing his worldly chores. Indeed, one should utilise every moment in recitation and therefore let the tongue train itself quickly in that pursuit. Let Vedas and Shastras enlighten those who have access to them but recitation of the Name is available to everyone.
Dnyanadev further states the marvel Vyasa Mahamuni creates when the Lord of Dwaraka, in fact that of entire Universe, is kith and kin to the Pandavas. Indeed, Arjuna was purity personified, which is why he was direct recipient of Lord Srikrishna’s advice, counsel and guidance.
२
चहूं वॆदीं जाण षट्शास्त्रीं कारण . अठराहीं पुराणॆं हरीसी गाती .. १..
Entire eighteen Puranas praise the Lord; why, even four Vedas and sixfold philosophies extol Him alone.
In fact, Vedas are innumerable; but the extremely brilliant Vyasa bunched those into four – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvanaveda. Therefore he is known as Veda Vyasa. The Vedas are said to emanate as snore of the Lord during His blissful Yoga-Nidra. The Lord is the basis, very cause for the sixfold Shastras or doctrines, the Shad Darshanas as well.
मंथुनी नवनीता तैसॆं घॆ अनंता . वायां व्यर्थ कथा सांडी मार्ग .. २..
Dnyanadev says that one should gather quintessence from the infinite knowledge just as butter is obtained through churning (curds) and discard the transient and worldly.
ऎक हरि आत्मा जीवशिव सम . वायां दुर्गमी न घालीं मन .. ३..
Almighty Lord, Atma and beings are just one single whole and therefore one need not entangle into contrary viewpoints or arguments. The Maooli stresses concept of monism, the non-dual Advaita philosophy.
ज्ञानदॆवा पाठ हरि हा वैकुंठ . भरला घनदाट हरि दिसॆ .. ४..
Dnyanadev says this praise unto the Lord Hari is verily heaven itself. Indeed, he can see the Lord pervading entire cosmos. He exhorts one and all to see the Lord in every sentient and insentient object; to treat and revere everyone alike, since the Lord is immanent in every being, creature and thing.
३
त्रिगुण असार निर्गुण हॆं सार . सारासार विचार हरिपाठ .. १..
Indeed, this Hari Paath conveys the very crux of spirituality ; that is, a clear distinction between transient and permanent, truth versus untruth, righteous and unrighteous, moral and immoral and so on. Moreover, the three attributes including Satva Guna are meaningless as compared to attribute lessens, which is desirable.
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj has elaborated upon the three attributes at length as well as transcendence of those. Indeed, the Divine is attribute less, being transcendental.
सगुण निर्गुण गुणांचॆं अगुण . हरिविणॆं मन व्यर्थ जाय .. २..
Whether with attributes or without, entire gamut of both is worthless if the mind is bereft of God Consciousness. It is said that an empty mind is devil’s workshop ! In fact, mind can never remain empty since it is made of bunch of thoughts alone. Now, one needs training the mind as to which thoughts would be beneficial and which harmful. And that would decide Godly or devilish traits of mind. Sri Dnyanadev says a mind as useless that does not remember the Lord Hari.
अव्यक्त निराकार नाही ज्या आकार . जॆथुनी चराचर त्यासी भजॆं .. ३..
The unmanifest, formless (Brahmam) has no shape, colour, countenance ; however, it creates entire cosmos that worships the Lord Divine alone!
ज्ञानदॆवा ध्यानीं रामकृष्ण मनीं अनंत जन्मांनीं पुण्य हॊय .. ४
Dnyanadev says the Lord as Rama and Krishna are ever present in his meditation since He verily resides in his conscience ! It takes innumerable births to acquire such great fortune.
There is an emphatic verse in Dnyaneshwari that reiterates penance of Satya Vrata observed through many eons that earned him fortune (of acquiring Geeta) ! Indeed, acquiring even Name of the Lord is a great boon in itself.
४
भावॆंवीण भक्ति भक्तिवीण मुक्ति . बळॆंवीण शक्ति बॊलूं नयॆ .. १..
Dnyanadev is explicit when he says that devotion without charged emotions or love unto the Divine is meaningless and deliverance without devotion is impossible. He further remarks that one should not boast being powerful without being strong enough !
कैसॆनि दैवत प्रसन्न त्वरित . उगा राहॆं निवांत शिणसी वायां .. १..
The Lord is so very benevolent that He is pleased instantly with devotion alone! Beings strive unduly while undertaking lot of penance, austerities, vows and so on. Instead, one should remain quiet and ‘Sahaja’ (at ease).
Indeed, learning to remain steady and ‘at ease’ is an art every spiritual aspirant needs cultivating. Chapter 2 in the Geeta highlights qualities of ‘Sthitapradnya’, one who is equipoised all the time. Devotion too should be spontaneous , intense and emotionally charged with Divine Love.
सायासॆं करिसी प्रपञ्च दिननिशीं . हरिसी न भजसी कॊण्या गुणॆ .. ३..
Beings engage themselves in worldly matters day and night while forgetting worship unto the Lord altogether. In fact, one remembers God only during calamity or distress ! One is hardly ever grateful during moments of happiness.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ हरिजप करणॆं . तुटॆल धरणॆं प्रपंचाचॆं .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj repeatedly exhorts to recite Name of Hari in order to break shackles of mundane worldly matters. In fact, beings are never aware of the fact that the world and worldly attractions are a bondage that do not allow beings true freedom; freedom from cycles of births and deaths. They keep adding loads of activity that result into additional destiny, which in turn must be endured during subsequent births !
५
यॊग याग विधी यॆणॆं नॊहॆ सिद्धि . वायांचि उपाधि दंभधर्म .. १..
Enlightenment or Realisation does not dawn through Yoga or rituals such as Yajnya and Yaga; that is sheer hypocrisy, a futile exercise. In fact, all such activities take place under aegis of Rajo-Guna, a close associate of Tamo-Guna; and therefore blunders and sin are quite likely.
भावॆंवीण दॆव न कळॆ निःसंदॆह . गुरुवीण अनुभव कैसा कळॆ .. २..
Almighty God cannot be understood without intense devotion for sure. Moreover, one does not experience one’s divinity without grace from Sadguru . One may be adept in Vedas and Shastras ; may have mastered entire scriptures ; may as well be proficient in Yoga too ; but true Realisation of one being Brahmam alone can only be experienced through grace of Sadguru. Which is why Guru is regarded as ‘Parabrahma’, the Supreme One !
तपॆवीण दैवत दिधल्यावीण प्राप्त . गुजॆवीण हित कॊण सांगॆ .. ३..
Good fortune does not accrue without toiling hard (in worldly matters), just as gaining is not possible without giving. A classical example would be pure gold, which cannot be obtained without subjecting it to intense heat. Or else bountiful rainy season follows after intense summer.
Dnyanadev says that until something is jettisoned, gain does not accrue. It is indeed an unwritten rule that loss and gain are directly proportional; as you sow, so shall you reap! It is particularly relevant in spiritual parlance, since abandoning entire desires and attachments lead to tranquility and peace – verily hallmark of Sthitapradnya .
Dnyanadev further asks as to whoever would give beneficial counsel except a well wisher ? Indeed, one’s parents, the Sadguru, spouse, children and loyal friends can be listed besides of course, spiritual texts such as the Geeta, Dnyaneshwari, Dasbodh and the likes. India and especially Maharashtra have been very fortunate in producing Saints of exceptional caliber, who led the masses on to right path through precept and example.
ज्ञानदॆव सांगे दृष्टांताची मात . साधूंचे संगती तरणोपाय .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj narrates marvel of epiphany ( a sudden intuitive perception or revelation of / or insight into reality ; a sudden appearance of vision, message or advise ; sudden manifestation or appearance of deity ; ‘Drishtanta’) and says that company or proximity of noble Saintly person guides unto path of deliverance .
There have been umpteen instances where people were guided on to correct decisions when in doubt; or else, warned beforehand against imminent catastrophes etc. Moreover, sudden appearance of deity or his counsel have benefitted many, leading them on Royal path of devotion.
६
साधुबॊध झाला तॊ नुरॊनियां ठॆला . ठायींच मुराला अनुभव.. १..
The one instructed or initiated by Saints is Enlightened or a Realised one ; therefore, his name, fame and merit persist even when he discards the mortal body. His ecstatic experience just merges in itself without remainder.
कापुराची वाती उजळली ज्यॊती . ठायींच समाप्ती झाली जैसी .. २..
Or else, just as wick made of camphor emits effulgence and disappears altogether on burning off-
मॊक्षरॆखॆं आला भाग्यॆ विनटला . साधूचा अंकिला हरिभक्त .. ३..
Lord’s devotee blessed by Saints reaches shores of deliverance by virtue of his great fortune amassed. Indeed, the one possessing Saint’s blessings becomes a special guest for the Lord; so much is the authority of Saints!
ज्ञानदॆवा गॊडी संगती सज्जनीं . हरि दिसॆ जनीं वनीं आत्मतत्त्वीं .. ४..
Dnyanadev nurtures penchant for company of the noble, meek and Saintly; moreover, he sees Lord Hari alone, be it peoples, forests or within himself.
In fact, the Knowledge and experience of the Lord’s omniscience , omnipotence and omnipresence is the crux of spirituality . One can begin practicing and experiencing it once one is convinced that there is nothing else except the Lord. Noble and elite company of Saints, scriptures and above all, Grace from Sadguru make one arrive at that conviction.
७
पर्वताप्रमाणॆं पातक करणॆं . वज्रलॆप हॊणॆं अभक्तांसी .. १..
Those non-devotees engaged in huge sinister deeds are subjected to harsh punishment akin to hitting by thunderbolt .
नाहीं ज्यांसी भक्ति तॆ पतित अभक्त . हरीसी न भजत दैवहत .. २..
Indeed, those devoid of devotion are truly fallen, sinner non-devotees. Those are certainly unfortunate, since they do not worship Lord Hari.
अनंत वाचाळ बरळती बरळ . त्यां कैंचा दयाळ पावॆ हरी .. ३..
There are innumerable loquacious , talkative individuals that keep blabbering trash; how can they ever attain the compassionate Lord Hari ?
Indeed, Swami has said that ‘Voice of the Lord can only be heard in the depth of silence’. Which is why ‘Mouna’ or Silence is the hallmark of Saints.
ज्ञानदॆवा प्रमाण आत्मा हा निधान . सर्वांघटीं पूर्ण एक नांदॆ .. ४..
Dnyanadev is convinced that Atma is the very treasure stored in each and everyone fully and completely .
८
संतांचॆ संगती मनॊमार्ग गती . आकळावा श्रीपति यॆणॆं पंथॆं .. १..
Company of the enlightened encourages rapid spiritual progress and the Lord (Sripati) can be recognised by trudging this very path.
Various means are prescribed to understand the Divine, which include Karma, Bhakti, Yoga, Dhyana and Jnyana (actions such as Yajnya, Yaga etc, devotion unto the Lord, Yoga including Hatayoga, meditation and Knowledge respectively). However, company of the enlightened Saints gives an additional thrust, direction and enthusiasm that has been experience of many aspirants through centuries. Moreover, even the places sanctified by the Saint’s habitat prove to be powerful inspirations to many.
रामकृष्ण वाचा भाव हा जीवाचा . आत्मा जॊ शिवाचा राम जप .. २..
Reciting sacred names such as Rama and Krishna exhibit benevolent nature of beings. Indeed, Lord Shiva Shankar recites name of Sri Rama as His very Atma !
एकतत्वनाम साधिती साधन . द्वैताचे बंधन न बांधिजे .. ३..
Sadhana or spiritual practice is accomplished through recitation of the Name that envisages a single doctrine. Even while names of the Lord are numerous (All names are His !), the tenet is one. Therefore, there is no bondage of ‘duality’ (or even multiplicity !) between Name and Naamee, the one reciting !
In fact, the Lord says, ‘call Me by any name, I shall respond’! He even says that there is no wonder in His response to calling Him with devotion, since He liberates even those who ridicule Him, citing Kamsa and Shishupala !
नामामृत गॊडी वैष्णवां लाधली . यॊगियां साधली जीवनकळा .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says devotees of Vishnu (Vaishnava) experience nectarine sweetness while reciting Name (of the Lord), just as Yogies acquire very basis of life principle.
In fact, path of Yoga is difficult, arduous and fraught with dangers and pitfalls. Only those adept in it reach through perseverance ; awakening of Kundalini Shakti, her upward travel through Sushumna up to Brahmarandhra and final mergence into Chidakash is indeed a great Yogic feat in itself that leads to Realisation of Reality. A difficult and almost impossible proposition for the ordinary aspirant.
However, recitation of The Name is simpler, enjoyable and yields the same fruit !!
सत्वर उच्चार प्रल्हादी बिंबला . उद्धवा लाधला कृष्णदाता .. ५..
The Name quickly sunk into basso of Pralhad the juvenile devotee of the Lord, while another great devotee Uddhav acquired the compassionate Lord Srikrishna (through recitation of the Name).
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नाम हॆं सुलभ . सर्वत्र दुर्लभ विरळा जाणॆ .. ६..
Dnyanadev says recitation of the Name is indeed very easy to acquire, which a very rare person finds as scarce.
९
विष्णुविणॆं जप व्यर्थ त्याचॆं ज्ञान . रामकृष्णीं मन नाहीं ज्याचॆ .. १..
Knowledge or wisdom is futile for the one who has no devotion unto Ramakrishna and the one who does not recite Name of Sri Vishnu.
Indeed, there may be myriads of intellectuals that are knowledgeable and perhaps wise too. However, even their lives remain unfulfilled since they miss the basic tenet, that of self-realisation ! Self-realisation can ensue through enlightenment, the awareness of one’s own Divinity, which in turn results from devotion unto the Divine alone !!Therefore it is aptly said that knowledge without devotion is futile.
उपजॊनी करंटा नॆणॆं अद्वैत वाटा . रामकृष्णीं पैठा कैसा हॊय .. २..
A congenitally wretched and unfortunate person is unaware of non-dual tenets and therefore how can he stabilise into the Lord’s Name?
द्वैताची झाडणी गुरुविण ज्ञान . त्या कैंचॆं कीर्तन घडॆ नामीं .. ३..
The one who cannot get rid of ‘duality’, (which is only possible through enlightenment from the Sadguru), how can he engage in singing the Lord’s Name?
True knowledge or enlightenment is acquired through Grace from the Sadguru who wipes off notions of duality, the duality of being separate from God, by kindling our latent spark of Divinity. Holding the disciple’s hand He takes him up to stage of “Tat Tvam Asi” (You Are THAT) . He gives a Name for recitation to begin with and keeps guiding the disciple through his journey.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ सगुण हॆं ध्यान . नामपाठ मौन प्रपंचाचॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says meditate on the Form (of the Lord) and quiet recitation of the Name during worldly chores.
Indeed, it is very difficult to meditate on the formless ; some symbol is necessary such as flame or image. Let sweetness of Lord’s Name keep rolling over the tongue quietly while engaged in worldly activities. Meditating on the form of Lord will help visualising everyone and everything as Lord alone while Name of the Lord rolling over the tongue will refrain her from slander, calumnies and the likes ! Thus Name and Form of the Lord shall ever remain with the devotee, negating entire ‘duality’!
१०
त्रिवॆणीसंगमीं नाना तीर्थॆं भ्रमीं . चित्त नाहीं नामीं तरी तॆ व्यर्थ .. १..
Even while undertaking holy pilgrimages to various sacred places such as confluence of three sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayag, those turn out as an exercise in futility, if mind is not focussed on the Name.
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj emphasises recitation of the Name with full concentration and regards Naama Sadhana superior to all other forms of devotion. In fact, there is need to cultivate habit of Namasmarana along with visualising Form of the Lord since name and form of the Lord are inseparable.
नामासी विन्मुख तॊ नर पापिया . हरीविण धांवया न पावॆ कॊणी .. २..
Dnyanadev says the one turning away from recitation of the Name is a sinner; indeed, nobody can progress without Lord Hari as protagonist.
पुराणप्रसिद्ध बॊलिलॆ वाल्मिक . नामॆं तिन्ही लॊक उद्धरती .. ३..
The legendary Sage Valmiki has vouchsafed that recitation of the Name uplifts entire three worlds.
Sage Valmiki was a robber during his earlier years; however, he was initiated into Naama Sadhana which he pursued diligently and was enlightened. He is author of the great epic Ramayana. His story is a glaring example of even a sinner becoming an enlightened Sage through Namasmarana .
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नाम जपा हरिचॆं . परंपरा त्याचॆं कुळ शुद्ध .. ४..
Dnyanadev repeatedly pleads recitation of Lord’s Name that has power to purify entire clan of the family ancestry.
११
हरि उच्चारणीं अनंत पापराशी . जातील लयाशी क्षणमात्रॆं .. १..
Name of the Lord is so powerful that while uttering ‘Hari Hari’, infinite mounds of sin get pulverised and destroyed in a jiffy !
तृण अग्निमॆळॆं समरस झालॆं . तैसॆं नामॆं कॆलॆं जपता हरी .. २..
Association of a blade of grass with fire makes it one with it; likewise, recitation of the Name makes the Naami one with the Lord. He just merges in Him !
हरि उच्चारण मंत्र हा अगाध . पळॆ भूतबाधा भेणें तेथें.. ३..
Indeed, reciting Name of Hari is a profound Mantra, a mystique formula that causes fear of being possessed by ghosts and spirits vanish altogether .
In fact, fear of ‘ghosts’, ‘spirits’ etc is borne out of ignorance; indeed, it is a scarecrow that does not exist at all. If God pervades everything, where is room for ghosts and the likes anyway ? However, in order to get rid of that phobia recitation of the Name is extremely useful undoubtedly.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ हरि माझा समर्थ . न करवॆ अर्थ उपनिषदां .. ४..
Dnyanadev says ‘my’ Hari is so very powerful and competent that even Upanishads are inadequate to gauge His Might. He grants everything unasked and looks after my welfare too.
१२
तीर्थ व्रत नॆम भावॆवीण सिद्धी . वायांची उपाधी करिसी जनां .. १..
Holy pilgrimages, vows , austerities and even acquisition of occult powers are exercises in futility as long as intensity of devotion are lacking. In fact, those prove to be a burden, austentious pomp among people instead !
भावबळॆं आकळॆ यॆरवी नाकळॆ . करतळीं आंवळॆ तैसा हरी .. २..
The Lord can only be recognised through intense love unto Him, not otherwise. In fact, surcharged devotion unto Him makes the latent Lord patent, like myrobalans (‘Avalaa’ – a fruit) put over palm
पारियाचा रवा घॆतां भूमीवरी . यत्न परॊपरी साधन तैसॆं .. ३..
Sadhana or spiritual practices performed incessantly and with all out effort are akin to gathering Mercury particles splashed on the floor.
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ निवृत्ति निर्गुण . दिधलॆं संपूर्ण माझॆ हातीं .. ४..
However, Dnyanadev says, Sadguru Nivruttinath has handed over entire gamut of attribute lessens fully and completely unto me !
It is perhaps greatest of achievements to transcend all three attributes, namely Satva, Raja and Tama. Indeed these three are responsible for entire play of Maya or Prakriti and getting rid of the three Gunas or attributes makes unreal ‘appearance’ of the visible world void or non-existent. On that occasion duality of Purusha and Prakriti vanishes altogether and what remains is pure unsullied Brahmam alone ! Which is why Dnyanadev is grateful to Sadguru Nivruttinath (for granting boon of attribute lessens unto him ).
१३
समाधी हरीची समसुखॆंवीण . न साधॆल जाण द्वैतबुध्दी.. १..
Ecstatic joy of being one with the Lord is unparalleled ; it cannot result through dualistic approach .
Indeed the word Samadhi denotes oneness with the Divine. The ‘Ashtanga-Yoga’ postulates eight steps that culminate into the eighth as Samadhi. Beginning with Yama and Niyama
बुद्धीचॆं वैभव अन्य नाहीं दुजॆं . एक्या कॆशवराजॆ सकळ सिद्धी.. २..
Glory of intelligence cannot be compared to that of Keshavraj (Lord Srikrishna ); indeed, He possesses entire knowledge, wisdom and occult powers. We tend to gauge or understand mystery of Divinity with the help of intellect; however, it is beyond the ken of intellect alone ; devotion may help!
ऋद्धि सिद्धि अन्य निधि अवघीच उपाधी . जंव त्या परमानंदी मन नाहीं .. ३..
Possessing immense wealth, occult powers or their paraphernalia are just epithets or burden unless the mind is not riveted in blissful experience of the Lord’s Presence.
ज्ञानदॆवीं रम्य रमलॆं समाधान . हरीचॆं चिंतन सर्वकाळ .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharashtra experiences immensely pleasant self-satisfaction by virtue of contemplation and meditation of Lord Hari all the time.
One of my elderly friend had once remarked that while meditating over the Lord’s bewitching form and smile one is naturally enthralled. However, one should be able to maintain that ecstatic and tranquil state longer even after meditation. One should refrain from talking or undertaking activity at least for some time, in order to ruminate over that pleasing experience.
१४
नित्य सत्यमित हरिपाठ ज्यासी . कळिकाळ त्यासी न पाहॆ दृष्टी .. १..
The one reciting Hari Paath melodiously all the time is saved from sinister and deadly catastrophes.
रामकृष्ण उच्चार अनंतराशी तप . पापाचॆ कळप पळती पुढॆं .. २..
Reciting the Name Ramakrishna is equivalent to infinite mounds of penance and therefore flocks of sin run away hither and thither.
हरि हरि हरि मंत्र हा शिवाचा . म्हणती जॆ वाचा तया मॊक्ष .. ३..
Hari Hari Hari is the Name Sri Shiva Shankar keeps repeating as Mantra. Indeed, all those reciting the same attain Moksha !
ज्ञानदॆवा पाठ नारायण नाम . पाविजॆ उत्तम निज स्थान .. ४..
Dnyanadev repeats Narayan Narayan Narayan as Mantra and that Name also guaranties the best abode, namely Narayan Himself !
१५
एक नाम हरि द्वैतनाम दुरी . अद्वैतकुसरी विरळा जाणॆ .. १..
All Names being the Lord’s Names any Name uttered results into one single boon, that is Liberation itself ! However, only a rare one understands this unique concept of non-dualism.
समबुद्धि घॆतां समान श्रीहरी . शमदमांवेरी हरि झाला .. २..
Lord Sri Hari is equanimous when seen with vision possessing equanimity equipoise and equality; Sri Hari can also be seen with strict sense and mind control as an embodiment of peace.
सर्वांघटी राम दॆहादॆहीं एक . सूर्य प्रकाशक सहस्ररश्मी .. ३..
Lord Sri Ram dwells in every sentient and insentient object including entire beings as one single whole, just as a single Sun illumines entire universe through thousands of Sun rays.
ज्ञानदॆवा चित्तीं हरिपाठ नॆमा . मागिलिया जन्मा मुक्त झालॊं .. ४..
Dnyanadev’s conscience has cultivated habit of reciting Haripaath as a vow, which has liberated him from cycles of births and deaths.
१६
हरिनाम जपॆ तॊ नर दुर्लभ . वाचॆसी सुलभ राम कृष्ण .. १..
The one reciting Name of Hari is rarely encountered. In fact, it is very easy for the tongue to utter Rama Krishna !
राम कृष्ण नामीं उन्मनी साधली . तयासी लाधली सकळ सिद्धि .. २..
The one getting ecstatically immersed in the Name Ram Krishna Hari acquires all forms of occult powers. Indeed, Namasmarana Sadhana is advocated and extolled all over India. In addition to being perhaps the easiest, it is available to one and all ;all age groups, any caste or creed and any gender. Moreover, it is enjoyable for the one engaged in the same to such an extent that he gets immersed in the joy thereof.
It is experience of many that a devout Naami acquires ‘Vacha Siddhi’, which means whatever he speaks, just happens!
सिद्धि बुद्धि धर्म हरिपाठीं आलॆ . प्रपंची निमालॆ साधुसंगॆ .. ३..
Recitation of Haripaath bestows occult powers, sharpened intellect and righteousness in due course of time; moreover, company of Saints grants cool comfort in worldly affairs as well.
ज्ञानदॆवीं नाम रामकृष्ण ठसा . तॆणॆं दशदिशा आत्माराम .. ४..
Names of Ram and Krishna are engraved in Dnyanadev’s conscience, which is why he sees Atma Ram (Indwelling Ram) pervading entire ten directions.
Indeed, there is a saying ‘ if you want to see yourself, look within and if God, look out as well’! In fact, Divinity pervades everything including us ; however, the ‘vision’ to see Divinity accrues through Namasmarana .
१७
हरिपाठकीर्ति मुखॆं जरी गाय . पवित्रचि हॊय दॆह त्याचा .. १..
Even while the tongue engages in singing glory of Haripaath, his entire body becomes holy and sacred.
तपाचॆ सामर्थ्यॆ तपिन्नला अमूप . चिरंजीव कल्प वैकुंठीं नांदॆ .. २..
Moreover, the one undertaking intense penance is a ‘Tapasvi’, an ascetic who dwells in heaven eternally.
माता पिता बंधू सगॊत्र अपार . चतुर्भुज नर हॊऊनि ठॆलॆ .. ३..
Although the mother, father, brother and innumerable kith and kin appear as individual entities, all are basically the self-same Lord Hari, the four armed bewitching One !
ज्ञान गूढगम्य ज्ञानदॆवा लाधलॆं . निवृत्तीनॆं दिधलॆं माझॆं हातीं .. ४..
This unique and mysterious knowledge ( of cognising Unity in Diversity ) which Dnyanadev received, has been handed over by none other than Sadguru Nivruttinath.
१८
हरिवंशपुराण हरिनाम संकीर्तन . हरिविण सौजन्य नॆणॆ कॊणी .. १..
The one narrating glorious stories, exploits, pranks and experiences besides singing aloud various names of the Lord ; moreover, having allegiance and devotion to none other than Lord, such a one --
त्या नरा लाधलॆं वैकुंठ जॊडलॆं . सकळही घडलॆं तीर्थाटण .. २..
--Such a one attains heavenly pleasures (Vaikuntha), has acquired everything and has accomplished entire pilgrimages as well
मनॊमार्गॆं गॆला तॊ येथे मुकला . हरिपाठीं स्थिरावला तॊचि धन्य .. ३..
The one following dictates of the mind is likely to get lost, likely to take to wrong path; however, the one firmly established in (teachings of) Haripaath is blessed.
Indeed, the mind is most vulnerable to act irrationally being slave to senses. Therefore it needs to train itself in devotional pursuits such as Haripaath.
ज्ञानदॆवा गॊडी हरिनामाची जॊडी . रामकृष्णी आवडी सर्वकाळ .. ४..
Sri Dnyanadev says, let penchant for sweetness in Name of the Lord inculcate ; let fondness for Ramkrishna ensue all the time.
१९
नामसंकीर्तन वैष्णवांची जॊडी . पापॆं अनंत कॊटी गॆलीं त्यांची .. १..
Devotees of Vishnu ( Vaishnava ) engage themselves into Naama Sankeertana (singing aloud glories of the Lord), whereby millions of sin get atoned.
अनंत जन्मांचॆं तप एक नाम . सर्व मार्ग सुगम हरिपाठी .. २..
One acquires Name of the Lord on account of penance undertaken through innumerable births. Moreover, reciting Haripaath makes entire means of acquiring Knowledge easily accessible.
यॊग याग क्रिया धर्माधर्म माया . गॆलॆ तॆ विलया हरिपाठें.. ३..
Recitations of Haripaath make entire paraphernalia of Yoga, Yaga, rituals, theocracy, blasphemy, unrighteousness as well as righteousness, secularism, fanaticism , sin, merit, Maya etc vanish altogether !
ज्ञानदॆवी यज्ञ याग क्रिया धर्म . हरीविण नॆम नाहीं दुजा .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj says, more than Yajnya, Yaga, rituals and religious practices etc, it is Name of the Lord that matters most, nothing less than that !
२०
वॆदशास्त्रप्रमाण श्रुतीचॆं वचन . एक नारायण सार जप .. १..
Shruties vouchsafed Veda and Shastra as authentic ; however, Name of the Lord is their very quintessence.
जप तप कर्म हरिवीण धर्म . वाउगाचि श्रम व्यर्थ जाय .. २..
Undertaking, recitation , penance, rituals and religious practices without the Lord is an exercise in futility.
हरीपाठी गॆलॆ तॆ निवांताचि ठॆलॆ . भ्रमर गुंतलॆ सुमनकळिकॆ .. ३..
Those engaged in recitations of Haripaath became peaceful, quiet and at ease like beetles trapped within flower buds.
ज्ञानदॆवीं मंत्र हरिनामाचॆं शस्त्र . यमॆं कुळगॊत्र वर्जियॆलॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says, Name of the Lord as Mantra is verily a weapon, which makes Yama the God of death avoid entire ancestry and lineage.
२१
काळ वॆळ नाम उच्चारितां नाहीं . दॊन्ही पक्ष पाहीं उद्धरती .. १..
There is no restriction as to time and place for reciting the lord’s Name, since both Name and Naami are emancipated.
रामकृष्ण नाम सर्व दॊषां हरण . जडजीवां तारण हरि एक.. २..
Name of Rama and Krishna destroys entire faults and shortcomings since Lord is the saviour for things and beings.
हरिनाम सार जिव्हा या नामाची . उपमा त्या दैवाची कॊण वानी .. ३..
Who can ever describe great fortune of the tongue that engages in reciting Name of the Lord ?
ज्ञानदॆवा सांग झाला हरिपाठ . पूर्वजां वैकुंठ मार्ग सॊपा .. ४..
Dnyanadev says, entire lineage easily attains path unto heaven by virtue of Haripaath, through continued recitation of the Lord’s Name.
२२
नित्यनॆम नामीं तॆ प्राणी दुर्लभ . लक्षुमीवल्लभ तयां जवळी .. १..
Those incessantly engaged in reciting the Lord’s Name are scarce indeed. Nevertheless, the Lord of Lords Srimannarayana, the husband of Devi Laxmi is ever near those doing so.
नारायण हरी नारायण हरी . भुक्ति मुक्ति चारी घरीं त्यांच्या .. २..
Entire worldly pleasures as well as all four forms of deliverance inhabit homes of those continuously reciting the Lord’s Name, Narayan Hari Narayan Hari.
हरिविणें जन्म तो नर्कचि पैं जाणा . यमाचा पाहुणा प्राणी हॊय .. ३..
A life without Lord Hari must be regarded as virtual hell ; such beings are guests of honour for the God of Death Yamaraj !
ज्ञानदॆव पुसॆ निवृत्तिसी चाड . गगनाहूनि वाड नाम आहॆ .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj is in absolute agreement with Sadguru Nivruttinath , who confirms that Name of the Lord is greatest even than the sky.
२३
सात पांच तीन दशकांचा मॆळा . एकतत्वीं कळा दावी हरी .. १..
?? In a bunch of seven hundred fifty three verses of the Geeta the Lord conveys entire gamut of a single doctrine, which says that He pervades everything everywhere forever ! ??
तैसॆं नव्हॆ नाम सर्वमार्गां वरिष्ठ . तॆथॆं कांहीं कष्ट न लागती .. २..
However, it is not so as far as reciting the Name is concerned since there is no toiling or labour whatever !
अजपा जपणॆं उलट प्राणाचा . यॆथॆंही मनाचा निर्धार असॆ .. ३..
It is indeed arduous to practice Pranayama and paraphernalia of Ashtanga Yoga as well as Ajapa-Japa for ordinary lay individuals, which requires strong willpower.
ज्ञानदॆवा जिणॆं नामॆंविण व्यर्थ . रामकृष्णीं पंथ क्रमियॆला .. ४..
Dnyanadev advocates pursuing path of reciting Name of Rama Krishna, since it is futile to live on without it.
२४
जप तप कर्म क्रिया नॆम धर्म . सर्वांघटीं राम भाव शुद्ध.. १..
Whether one pursues Japa (reciting the Name), Tapa (penance), Karma (rituals), Kriya (Yoga Yaga), Nema (vows) or other religious practices, it is essential to keep in mind that Sri Ram dwells in entire things and beings.
न सांडीं हा भावॊ टाकी रॆ संदॆहॊ . रामकृष्णीं टाहॊ नित्य फॊडी .. २..
Do not discard this sentiment, abandon entire doubts and engage yourselves in calling out for Rama Krishna all the time.
जात वित्त गॊत्र कुळ शीळ मात . भजें कां त्वरित भावनायुक्त .. ३..
Caste, riches, ancestry and lineage etc are superfluous and trivial. Instead, why not engage in devotional worship unto the Lord right away !
ज्ञानदॆवा ध्यानीं रामकृष्ण मनीं . वैकुंठभुवनीं घर कॆलॆं .. ४..
Dnyanadev says he meditates upon Ramakrishna that dwells in his heart. Indeed, he resides verily in heaven itself !
२५
जाणीव नॆणीव भगवंतीं नाही . हरि उच्चारणीं पाही मॊक्ष सदा .. १..
The Lord is neither aware or unmindful since He transcends both, in fact everything.
Indeed, He is extolled as transcending the three forms of ‘body’, three types of ‘Kaala’, three Gunas or attributes, three states of status etc. (Tvam dehatrayateetah, Tvam kaalatrayateetah, Tvam gunatrayateetah, Tvam avasthatrayateetah – as quoted in the famous Ganapati Atharvasheersha stotram )!
Therefore, Dnyanadev says, you shall be Liberated through just reciting the Name of the Lord, Hari.
नारायण हरी उच्चार नामाचा . तॆणें कळिकाळाचा रीघ नाहीं .. २..
Even death is disallowed wherever the Name Narayana Hari is recited.
That is why entire Saints extol power and might of reciting Name of the Lord, which is especially advocated in the present Kali-Yuga !
तॆथील प्रमाण नॆणवॆ वॆदांसी . तॆं जीवजंतूंसीं कॆवीं कळॆ .. ३..
Even Vedas, very repository of entire Knowledge, were dumbfounded when it came to description of the Divine Lord, verily Para-Brahmam Itself ! Therefore, how can it be ever cognised by ordinary peoples, Dnyanadev asks.
ज्ञानदॆव फळ नारायण पाठ . सर्वत्र वैकुंठ कॆलॆं असॆ .. ४..
However, Dnyaneshwar Maharaj hastens to add that he got the fruit, namely enlightenment about nature of the Lord through mere recitation of the Name Narayana Hari Narayana Hari ! Moreover, The Name Itself is heaven all around !!
Indeed, Dnyanadev has reiterated that Devotion is the culmination, very fruit itself. Whereas devotion is usually considered as a ‘means’ to reach the divine, Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj extols Devotion as the very ‘goal’ ! He has further described devotion as the Fifth Purushartha that tramples down the foursome Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha !!
२६
एकतत्त्व नाम दृढ धरीं मना . हरीसी करुणा यॆईल तुझी .. १..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj repeatedly advocates to take Name of the Lord to heart with unwavering conviction. He guarantees that the Lord shall show mercy, shall be compassionate for sure.
तॆं नाम सॊपॆं रॆ रामकृष्ण गॊविंद . वाचॆसी सद्गद जपॆ आधीं .. २..
He pleads, the Name Ram Krishna Govind is indeed so very easy to utter O Beings ! Therefore keep it rolling over your tongue fervently enough.
नामापरतॆं तत्त्व नाहीं रॆ अन्यथा . वायां आणि पंथा जाशी झणी .. ३..
O Loved Ones ! There is no other doctrine than the Name, which is truly fulfilling. Therefore do not be deluded into other ones that may be detrimental ( to you ) .
ज्ञानदॆवा मौन जपमाळ अंतरी . धरॊनी श्रीहरी जपॆ सदा .. ४..
Dnyanadev recites the Name silently while the Lord residing within holds the rosary and counts beads all the time.
In fact, repeating the Name incessantly and silently is an art every aspirant must cultivate. Outer paraphernalia of rosary etc may benefit beginners all right but it must not result into exhibitionism and hypocrisy. All forms of pompous devotion must be avoided. We do find many advanced aspirants that prefer solitude and engaged in Naama Sadhana silently.
२७
सर्व सुख गॊडी साही शास्त्रॆं निवडी . रिकामा अर्धघडी राहूं नकॊ .. १..
You may chose to enjoy sweetness from any of the sixfold philosophies, but do not remain idle even momentarily without Name (over your tongue).
लटिका व्यवहार सर्व हा संसार . वायां यॆरझार हरिवीण.. २..
Entire mundane world and worldly activities are fictitious ; it is futile indeed, this visible world and sojourns therein without the Lord.
नाममंत्र जप कॊटी जाईल पाप . रामकृष्णीं संकल्प धरूनी राहॆ .. ३..
Reciting the Name shall ensure entire sin disappearing; therefore establish yourselves in the Name Ram Krishna Hari !
निजवृत्ति काढी, माया तॊडी . इंद्रियांसवडी लपूं नकॊ .. ४..
Abandon self-centred body consciousness , break off shackles of Maya the unreal, fictitious and enchanting damsel; do not get entangled into sensuality and its vagaries.
तीर्थव्रतीं भाव, धरीं रॆ करुणा . शांति दया, पाहुणा हरि करीं .. ५..
You should revere holy pilgrimages and vows too; let compassion, peace and kindness unto all make the Lord Himself your guest of honour.
ज्ञानदेवा प्रमाण निवृत्तीदेवीं ज्ञान / समाधि संजीवन हरिपाठ ...६
Dnyanadev is convinced that entire Knowledge and wisdom belongs to Sadguru Nivruttinath ; indeed, this Haripaath is verily life sustaining elixir that bestows Samadhi, the equipoised tranquil state !
२८
अभंग हरिपाठ असती अठ्ठावीस . रचिलॆ विश्वासॆं ज्ञानदॆवॆं .. १..
This bunch of twenty eight verses that constitute Haripaath is confidently woven by Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
नित्य पाठ करी इंद्रायणीतीरीं . हॊय अधिकारी सर्वथा तॊ .. २..
The one reciting these everyday seated along banks of River Indrayani is entitled to be a Master in all respects.
असावॆं एकाग्रीं स्वस्थ चित्त मन . उल्हासॆं करून स्मरण जीवी .. ३..
He should make his conscience calm and serene with one-pointed attention and enthusiastically meditate on the Divine Lord.
अंतकाळीं तैसा संकटाचॆं वॆळीं . हरि तया सांभाळी अंतर्बाह्य .. ४..
The Lord shall take care of him inside out at the time of death as well as during critical times.
संतसज्जनानीं घॆतली प्रचीती . आळशी मंदमती कॆवीं तरॆं .. ५..
Saints and the noble ones have experience (grace from the Lord); how can the lazy and slow witted understand and be saved ?
श्रीगुरु निवृत्ति वचन प्रॆमळ . तॊषला तात्काळ ज्ञानदॆव .. ६..
Sadguru Sri Nivrutti’s words are lovely, which made Dnyanadev contented immediately !
२९
कॊणाचॆं हॆं घर हा दॆह कॊणाचा . आत्माराम त्याचा तॊचि जाणॆ .. १..
Who exactly owns this abode and who this body ? In fact, the indweller is the Atma, the Lord as Atmarama that knows Himself !
मी तूं हा विचार विवॆकें शॊधावा . गॊविंदा माधवा याच दॆहीं .. २..
One should discern the concept of You and Me through intuitive discrimination, so also Govinda Madhava while in this very body.
दॆहीं ध्याता ध्यान त्रिपुटीवॆगळा . सहस्र दळीं उगवला सूर्य जैसा .. ३..
The indweller Atmarama is different from the threesome namely meditator, object of meditation and meditation itself being transcendental just as the Sun that ‘rises’ along with a thousand Sun rays that are not, the Sun !
ज्ञानदॆव म्हणॆ नयनाची ज्यॊती . या नावॆं रूपॆं तुम्ही जाणा .. ४..
Sri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj concludes by exhorting to look at this Haripaath as effulgent Apple of the Eye and know it as very name and form of Hari !
.. इति श्रीज्ञानदॆव हरिपाठ समाप्त ..
Thus, Sri Dnyanadev Haripaath comes to close !!
“SRI KRiSHARPANAMASTU”
Dr. P. S. Rahalkar
31 July 2016. London
