Saturday, August 05, 2017
Sri Dasbodh in New Form
Sri Dasbodh Explained
Sri Dasbodh was written by a towering Saint in Western Maharashtra during the sixteenth century. Its author Samartha Sri Ramdas created abundant Marathi literature of a very high caliber; however, Dasbodh appears to be the crown among those. The word Dasbodh in simple vernacular means Enlightenment the Servant of Sri Ram ( Ramdas) received. Sri Samartha Ramdas was gracious to share His knowledge for the masses in a very simple yet profound manner. This Scripture has been studied and venerated through generations of Marathi speaking people. However, its Universal appeal makes me explain it in a language more comfortable for the present generations as well as for people unaware of this great creation.
We shall begin the first chapter right away. (There are twenty chapters in the Scripture, each chapter constituting ten sub-chapters.)
“The first sub-chapter is devoted to glorifying various deities while writing spiritual scripture as per contemporary Indian practice of medieval times. Sri Samartha venerates and invokes Sri Ganesha, Saraswati Sharada, Sadguru and Saints. He also praises the poets, ardent listeners, assemblies, spirituality in general as well as the human body while highlighting their importance in human life and spiritual Sadhana.
“The first decimal ( ‘Dashak’) (दशक) is introductory, wherein Sri Samartha speaks of name of the scripture, purpose of writing it, various topics discussed therein, advantage of studying the scripture and the sources that furnished different doctrines etc.
1. The ardent listener asks as to what this book is all about ; whatever is narrated therein and what benefit one reaps from its study .
2. Thereupon, Sri Samartha replies that name of the book is “Dasbodh” which is written in the form of dialog between the Guru and his disciple and which succinctly discusses Path of devotion (Bhakti-Marga).
3. Dasbodh speaks of ‘ninefold’ devotion (Nava-Vidha Bhakti, Brahma-Jnyana and detachment (Vairagya). While doing so, he discusses various facets of Knowledge of the Self (Atma-Jnyana).
4. Then he proceeds to highlight important doctrine of Dasbodh, which postulates that one can come face to face with the Divine if only one treads path of devotion.
5. Now, the topics that are unequivocal, such as nature of best possible devotion, unsullied pure knowledge not tainted by slightest ignorance and exact state of ‘Atma-Sthiti’ (to be One with Oneself) are discussed.
6. Moreover, whatever is genuine counsel or Upadesha; what is meant by ‘Sayujya Mukti; what are signs of attaining Moksha or deliverance .
7. In addition, whatever is unsullied Form of the Self (Atma-Swaroopa); what is ‘Videha Sthiti’ (transcendence of body consciousness); what is meant by detachment; who is Lord of the Lords; who is the best devotee; what is the format of Shiva and the ‘being’ are the queries answered herein.
8. What is the exact status of the excellent Brahmam; what are various forms of doctrines and counter-doctrines and which is the ‘real Me’ ! All these queries are dealt with in crystal clear, unequivocal, straight-forward manner in Dasbodh.
9. In addition to the above, important hallmarks of Upasana, various facets of different poetry, different forms of cleverness are included in this scripture.
10. Origin of Maya, hallmarks of the five mega elements (Pancha Mahabhootas – earth, water, air, sky and effulgence); besides, Creator of the Nature and His exact role too are discussed herein.
11. Sri Dasbodh clarifies umpteen queries and doubts. Good numbers of illusions, contrary views and wrong notions are put to rest in Dasbodh. Many doubts are quenched, so also convincing arguments against objections and queries can be found here.
12. Thus, a variety of topics will be discussed ; however, it is not possible to take up all those in this prologue.
13. Entire Dasbodh is described in twenty Decimals, while each decimal comprises ten chapters.
14. Each decimal clearly explains the topic under consideration and therefore entire Dasbodh is well elucidated.
15. A large number of reference books are used in order to explain various tenets where Upanishads, Brahma-Sutras and Vedas are prominent. However, besides making use of the knowledge enshrined in these scriptures, more knowledge borne out of Self Experience is used predominantly herein.
16. There are likely to be some envious people who might criticise this scripture. However, the doctrines postulated here cannot be ridiculed or belittled, since I have made use of so many sources of repute. Those trying to under-estimate this scripture are unaware of the fact that they are ridiculing all the great scriptures and even words of the Lord while doing so.
17. Sri Samartha now enumerates various scriptures that helped creation of Dasbodh. Those are – Shiva-Geeta, Ram-Geeta, Guru-Geeta, Garbha-Geeta, Uttam-Geeta, Avadhoota-Geeta, Veda and Vedanta or Shareera Bhashya.
18. Bhagavad Geeta, Brahma Geeta, Hamsa Geeta, Pandava Geeta, Ganesha Geeta, Yama Geeta, Upanishads, Bhagwat.
19. Thus, many scriptures are used while writing this book. At the very outset, format of the topic under discussion is discerningly put forth. Later, sentences corroborating inner meanings therein from the Lord are incorporated.
20. Exposition of the topics dealt in Dasbodh are consistent with the Lord’s exhortations. I presume that there may not be a wretched person who would disbelieve the Lord’s teachings.
21. Anyone who unnecessarily criticises a book without reading it from beginning to end must be a hypocrite and wicked person. He evinces his self-ostentation and mean mentality simply due to envy.
22. Wicked self-ostentation breeds envy; envy evinces hatred and hatred gives rise to severe anger and wrath.
23. Thus, the one having wicked mindset and the one engrossed by anger and passion reaches a despicable state which is directly evident in the world.
24. The one drenched in passion and anger can never be a good individual. For instance, the wicked planet Rahu quaffed nectar and so was entitled to be immortal; however, just because of anger and passion he perished altogether instead of immortality.
25. Let us stop discussing this further. One should pick up whatever one can accept and imbibe from the Dasbodh. Nevertheless, it is best to pick up while jettisoning ego outright.
26. Ardent listeners had asked as to what is expounded in Sri Dasbodh. I have replied to that query in short thus far.
27. I shall now tell about the fruit one begets on studying Dasbodh. Indeed, study of Dasbodh ensures sudden change in his behaviour for the better. All of his doubts are uprooted.
28. One finds an easy and comfortable road map towards The Divine. There is no more a need to undertake strenuous and difficult austerities. Ne hits upon the secret of “Sayujya Mukti” (being absolutely one with Brahmam).
29. The exact fruit accrued through study of this scripture is total annihilation of ignorance, suffering and wrong notions while here is quick dawn of Jnyana (knowledge along with wisdom).
30. The Yogi considers ‘detachment’ as very fortune asset. Beings imbibe that detachment. Moreover, discretion establishes within him leading to wisdom to acquit cleverly in day to day life as per occasion.
31. Those deluded ( meaning nurturing foolish and wrong notions ), vicious and men of despicable character convert into noble and virtuous beings. They acquire cleverness to quickly understand cunningness in others; while logically thinking they are able to ponder in a subtle way; likewise, they are able to judge proper and improper times (by virtue of studying Dasbodh).
32. The lazy convert into industrious ; sinners get rid of sin due to remorse. Those ridiculing path of devotion convert themselves into into devotees pursuing devotion with reverence .
33. Selfish people engrossed in worldly matters develop penchant for the Divine. Indisciplined ones begin behaving properly. Even the atheists start trudging path of devotion and attain salvation.
34. The studious ones lose many of their vices ; the unholy profane ones become pious. Beings attain the best destination (becoming one with Brahmam !)
35. The one resolutely considering himself as the ‘body’ requires facing a number of difficult situations in life; however, study of Dasbodh avoids all those situations. Likewise, different forms of illusions borne out of doubts and suspicion. Numbers of unhappy and disappointing occasions in life disappear altogether .
36. ‘That’ is the fruit of studying Dasbodh. It puts a brake on further degradation of the ‘being’. The being attains true succour and contentment.
37. Everything mentioned above is absolutely true. However, the reader shall reap fruit as per his mindset. Needless to say that the one nurturing fault finding traits and possessing jealousy and spite will beget reciprocal fruits !
Here, the first ‘Samaas’ comes to close. Sri Samartha puts forth the very purpose of writing this scripture in concise and candid manner. He is very frank in admitting at the outset that he has referred to a number of renowned scriptures gratefully. Nevertheless, he gives credit to self-experience as well and perhaps more emphatically. It is so very important to highlight this observation, since mere recitations of spiritual texts in particular is an exercise in futility unless one contemplates and EXPERIENCES tenets therein.
“Hari Om Tat Sat”
Sri Dasbodh was written by a towering Saint in Western Maharashtra during the sixteenth century. Its author Samartha Sri Ramdas created abundant Marathi literature of a very high caliber; however, Dasbodh appears to be the crown among those. The word Dasbodh in simple vernacular means Enlightenment the Servant of Sri Ram ( Ramdas) received. Sri Samartha Ramdas was gracious to share His knowledge for the masses in a very simple yet profound manner. This Scripture has been studied and venerated through generations of Marathi speaking people. However, its Universal appeal makes me explain it in a language more comfortable for the present generations as well as for people unaware of this great creation.
We shall begin the first chapter right away. (There are twenty chapters in the Scripture, each chapter constituting ten sub-chapters.)
“The first sub-chapter is devoted to glorifying various deities while writing spiritual scripture as per contemporary Indian practice of medieval times. Sri Samartha venerates and invokes Sri Ganesha, Saraswati Sharada, Sadguru and Saints. He also praises the poets, ardent listeners, assemblies, spirituality in general as well as the human body while highlighting their importance in human life and spiritual Sadhana.
“The first decimal ( ‘Dashak’) (दशक) is introductory, wherein Sri Samartha speaks of name of the scripture, purpose of writing it, various topics discussed therein, advantage of studying the scripture and the sources that furnished different doctrines etc.
1. The ardent listener asks as to what this book is all about ; whatever is narrated therein and what benefit one reaps from its study .
2. Thereupon, Sri Samartha replies that name of the book is “Dasbodh” which is written in the form of dialog between the Guru and his disciple and which succinctly discusses Path of devotion (Bhakti-Marga).
3. Dasbodh speaks of ‘ninefold’ devotion (Nava-Vidha Bhakti, Brahma-Jnyana and detachment (Vairagya). While doing so, he discusses various facets of Knowledge of the Self (Atma-Jnyana).
4. Then he proceeds to highlight important doctrine of Dasbodh, which postulates that one can come face to face with the Divine if only one treads path of devotion.
5. Now, the topics that are unequivocal, such as nature of best possible devotion, unsullied pure knowledge not tainted by slightest ignorance and exact state of ‘Atma-Sthiti’ (to be One with Oneself) are discussed.
6. Moreover, whatever is genuine counsel or Upadesha; what is meant by ‘Sayujya Mukti; what are signs of attaining Moksha or deliverance .
7. In addition, whatever is unsullied Form of the Self (Atma-Swaroopa); what is ‘Videha Sthiti’ (transcendence of body consciousness); what is meant by detachment; who is Lord of the Lords; who is the best devotee; what is the format of Shiva and the ‘being’ are the queries answered herein.
8. What is the exact status of the excellent Brahmam; what are various forms of doctrines and counter-doctrines and which is the ‘real Me’ ! All these queries are dealt with in crystal clear, unequivocal, straight-forward manner in Dasbodh.
9. In addition to the above, important hallmarks of Upasana, various facets of different poetry, different forms of cleverness are included in this scripture.
10. Origin of Maya, hallmarks of the five mega elements (Pancha Mahabhootas – earth, water, air, sky and effulgence); besides, Creator of the Nature and His exact role too are discussed herein.
11. Sri Dasbodh clarifies umpteen queries and doubts. Good numbers of illusions, contrary views and wrong notions are put to rest in Dasbodh. Many doubts are quenched, so also convincing arguments against objections and queries can be found here.
12. Thus, a variety of topics will be discussed ; however, it is not possible to take up all those in this prologue.
13. Entire Dasbodh is described in twenty Decimals, while each decimal comprises ten chapters.
14. Each decimal clearly explains the topic under consideration and therefore entire Dasbodh is well elucidated.
15. A large number of reference books are used in order to explain various tenets where Upanishads, Brahma-Sutras and Vedas are prominent. However, besides making use of the knowledge enshrined in these scriptures, more knowledge borne out of Self Experience is used predominantly herein.
16. There are likely to be some envious people who might criticise this scripture. However, the doctrines postulated here cannot be ridiculed or belittled, since I have made use of so many sources of repute. Those trying to under-estimate this scripture are unaware of the fact that they are ridiculing all the great scriptures and even words of the Lord while doing so.
17. Sri Samartha now enumerates various scriptures that helped creation of Dasbodh. Those are – Shiva-Geeta, Ram-Geeta, Guru-Geeta, Garbha-Geeta, Uttam-Geeta, Avadhoota-Geeta, Veda and Vedanta or Shareera Bhashya.
18. Bhagavad Geeta, Brahma Geeta, Hamsa Geeta, Pandava Geeta, Ganesha Geeta, Yama Geeta, Upanishads, Bhagwat.
19. Thus, many scriptures are used while writing this book. At the very outset, format of the topic under discussion is discerningly put forth. Later, sentences corroborating inner meanings therein from the Lord are incorporated.
20. Exposition of the topics dealt in Dasbodh are consistent with the Lord’s exhortations. I presume that there may not be a wretched person who would disbelieve the Lord’s teachings.
21. Anyone who unnecessarily criticises a book without reading it from beginning to end must be a hypocrite and wicked person. He evinces his self-ostentation and mean mentality simply due to envy.
22. Wicked self-ostentation breeds envy; envy evinces hatred and hatred gives rise to severe anger and wrath.
23. Thus, the one having wicked mindset and the one engrossed by anger and passion reaches a despicable state which is directly evident in the world.
24. The one drenched in passion and anger can never be a good individual. For instance, the wicked planet Rahu quaffed nectar and so was entitled to be immortal; however, just because of anger and passion he perished altogether instead of immortality.
25. Let us stop discussing this further. One should pick up whatever one can accept and imbibe from the Dasbodh. Nevertheless, it is best to pick up while jettisoning ego outright.
26. Ardent listeners had asked as to what is expounded in Sri Dasbodh. I have replied to that query in short thus far.
27. I shall now tell about the fruit one begets on studying Dasbodh. Indeed, study of Dasbodh ensures sudden change in his behaviour for the better. All of his doubts are uprooted.
28. One finds an easy and comfortable road map towards The Divine. There is no more a need to undertake strenuous and difficult austerities. Ne hits upon the secret of “Sayujya Mukti” (being absolutely one with Brahmam).
29. The exact fruit accrued through study of this scripture is total annihilation of ignorance, suffering and wrong notions while here is quick dawn of Jnyana (knowledge along with wisdom).
30. The Yogi considers ‘detachment’ as very fortune asset. Beings imbibe that detachment. Moreover, discretion establishes within him leading to wisdom to acquit cleverly in day to day life as per occasion.
31. Those deluded ( meaning nurturing foolish and wrong notions ), vicious and men of despicable character convert into noble and virtuous beings. They acquire cleverness to quickly understand cunningness in others; while logically thinking they are able to ponder in a subtle way; likewise, they are able to judge proper and improper times (by virtue of studying Dasbodh).
32. The lazy convert into industrious ; sinners get rid of sin due to remorse. Those ridiculing path of devotion convert themselves into into devotees pursuing devotion with reverence .
33. Selfish people engrossed in worldly matters develop penchant for the Divine. Indisciplined ones begin behaving properly. Even the atheists start trudging path of devotion and attain salvation.
34. The studious ones lose many of their vices ; the unholy profane ones become pious. Beings attain the best destination (becoming one with Brahmam !)
35. The one resolutely considering himself as the ‘body’ requires facing a number of difficult situations in life; however, study of Dasbodh avoids all those situations. Likewise, different forms of illusions borne out of doubts and suspicion. Numbers of unhappy and disappointing occasions in life disappear altogether .
36. ‘That’ is the fruit of studying Dasbodh. It puts a brake on further degradation of the ‘being’. The being attains true succour and contentment.
37. Everything mentioned above is absolutely true. However, the reader shall reap fruit as per his mindset. Needless to say that the one nurturing fault finding traits and possessing jealousy and spite will beget reciprocal fruits !
Here, the first ‘Samaas’ comes to close. Sri Samartha puts forth the very purpose of writing this scripture in concise and candid manner. He is very frank in admitting at the outset that he has referred to a number of renowned scriptures gratefully. Nevertheless, he gives credit to self-experience as well and perhaps more emphatically. It is so very important to highlight this observation, since mere recitations of spiritual texts in particular is an exercise in futility unless one contemplates and EXPERIENCES tenets therein.
“Hari Om Tat Sat”
