My Thoughts.....................72

 

1) Not letting go is heavy baggage; the more you let go, the higher you rise!

2) If it's complicated, it's from the ego; the soul is simple, like a baby!

3) If you want to reach the other side of the bank, then you should not fear the river!

4) Maya is attractive as it is ever-changing, but Brahman is not noticeable as it is constant!

5) This self is a pseudoself, a created, manufactured self, homemade. And your own real self remains deep down, hidden; you're here to find him out and get liberated!

6) Do not focus your gaze on the things which are 10% wrong, focus on the 90% correct, respect it, enjoy it, no one is 100% perfect in this world!

7) If one is already holding a conclusion, then it's useless to explain to such a person

8) To remain quiet in a situation where you can say a lot is wisdom!

9) A heart that always understands also gets tired sometimes; care rejuvenates it!

10) Lies are accepted as gospel, and truth needs to be proved!

Significance of Narasimha Avatar :

 

Significance of Narasimha Avatar :

Out of the several avatars of Lord Vishnu, ten important incarnations are classified as Dasaavataras. Among them Nrusimha avatar has attained a rare significance and importance. All His avatars are generally of a single form(apart from Varaha). But Nrusimha avatar is of a dual form, Nara + Simha. Nara means man and Lion is an animal. Narasimha means a combined form of a Lion and a Man. This was the 4th avatar among the Dasaavatars and it was a Sathya Yuga Avatar said to have taken place in Chakshuva Manvantar. It is said that in reference to Lord Narasimha is found in as many as 15 Puranas, and a separate Purana (Upa Purana) itself has been scripted in his name called Nrusimha Purana.

It was an instant avatar, called as Aavesa avatar (no prior preparations were made) where the Lord Narasimha appears in a very ferocious and fascinating form. Narasimha Avatar is referred to as a very powerful, precious avatar and the Lord Narasimha is depicted as a great protector at the time of need. He is the God of Gods. He is Mrithyu for the Mrithyu (one who eliminates the death cycles)

Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama describes Lord Vishnu as “NaarasimhaVapu Sreeman Kesavah Purushothama” meaning He is the one who has taken a rare and unique form of a man and a lion whose worship will eradicate the ignorance, possessor of the Goddess of wealth Sri Maha Lakshmi,who always dwells in his chest, one who has beautiful and charming hair, the giver of knowledge to Gods, greatest among all Purushas, the Supreme Soul, who is omnipotent and omniscient.

Legend behind the Avatar (Story of Prahlada)

The legend behind this goes back to the days of Sathya Yuga when two demon brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakasipa were creating lots of trouble to the mankind and devatas. The elder brother Hiranyaksha was killed by Lord Maha Vishnu in his Varaha Avathara. In order to take a revenge on Lord Vishnu, the demon Hiranyakasipa started doing a severe penance. When Lord Brahma appeared before him as a result of the penance Hiranyakasipa asks for a rare boon. The boon was that he (Hiranyakasipa) should not get killed by any deity or demi-God or demon, by a man or a beast, should not get killed with five elements (Pancha Bhootha), either in the day or night, either indoors or outdoors, by any kind of weapon and accordingly the boon was granted by Lord Brahma.

In the mean time Hiranyakasipa’s wife Vedavathi who was pregnant before he left for the penance delivered a male child Prahlada who went on to become an ardent devotee of Lord Sri ManNarayana for whose sake and cause the Lord had to take the Narasimha Avathara. While he was in his Mother’s womb Prahlada was listening and responding to divine stories. Seeing this sage Narada preached (upadesa) Prahlada the Narayana, Ashtakshari Mantra and the child started reciting this mantra while he was in his mother’s womb itself.

As Prahlada started growing he started learning Narayana Tatva and started influencing his friends also with his preachings’ which his father Hiranyakasipa did not like. Since Prahlada was not listening to his father’s words in this context and not stopping the recitation of Narayana Mantra, several attempts were made to change the mind of Prahlada and lots of restrictions were also imposed on him. But they were of no use and Prahlada was showing exemplary courage every time. In the process, he had to meet with severe punishments also in the hands of his demon father Hiranyakasipa but every time getting saved by the kind Grace of Lord Sriman Narayana.

Hiranyakasipa was fed up with his son’s attitude and wanted to finish him once for all. In the immediate next confrontation with his son Prahlada on the issue of Lord Sriman Narayana’s omnipresence, Hiranyakasipa emotionally asks his son Prahlada to show the Lord in a pillar in his palace and hits the pillar with his mace. All pervading Lord Sriman Narayana in order to prove the truth in his devotee’s words instantly appears and comes out of the pillar in a rare and ferocious form as Narasimha. Keeping in mind the boon Hiranyakasipa had on his death, Lord Narasimha pounces upon the demon, drags him to the threshold of the palace door, keeps him on his thighs and kills him with his fingernails (Nakha) at a time when it was Pradosha (neither day nor night) thus fulfilling the conditions of his death.

After killing the demon Hiranyakasipa, the fearful and ferocious form of Lord Narasimha did not calm down and it was roaring, creating a greater scare among the devatas. To make him cool down Devathas had to request Prahlada to pray him and it is said that they had to even invoke Goddess Lakshmi also to come down to pacify him. Finally, with the prayers from Prahlada and with the presence of his consort Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Narasimha got cooled down. Prahlada was crowned as the emperor of the kingdom which he ruled for several thousands of years.

Purpose of Narasimha avatar :

The specific purpose of this avatar was for protection of his devotee Prahlada from his demon father Hiranyakasipa, to prove a point and to make true the words of his devotee that God is in existence everywhere. Prahlada’s episode proves that God will always come to the rescue of his devotees who Prays him with sincere devotion.

Why this rare form?

Because of the rare boon Hiranyakasipa had the Lord had to take this rare form which was neither man nor animal. In using the Lion Head, the message was that Lion, the King of animals, hunts its target and kills it only when it is hungry and no one else and doesn’t store its food unlike other animals. Similarly, in his Narasimha Avathara the purpose was only to kill the demon Hiranyakasipa to save his devotee and nothing else and there was no need to kill anybody else. The avatar also ended with the killing of Hiranyakasipa. He is the lion among the Gods and the people.

He killed him with his nails which is not a weapon and the timing was neither day time nor night, it was Pradosha time. He killed him on his thighs to fulfill the condition of not getting killed in Pancha Bhoothas. It is said that the Dasaavatharas of Lord Vishnu have a link to the concept of evolution starting with Mastyaavathara (Pisces) transformed into a full fledged human being in Ramaavathara and Krishnaavathara. Narasimha avatar is the beginning of transformation from animal to man (half animal and half man).

Nrusimha Mantra Rajam

Ugram Veeram Maha Vishnum Jwalantham Sarvathomukham!
Nrusimham Bheeshanam Bhadram Mruthyu Mruthyum Namaamyaham!!

I surrender and bow to Lord Narasimha “who is ferocious and heroic, who is Maha Vishnu, radiant and glowing from all sides, who is omnipresent, who is terrific, who is adorable, who bestows auspiciousness and who is the death of death personified."

Above sloka is called as Sri Nrusimha MantraRajam, a very powerful mantra when recited with sincere devotion, will come to the rescue of the person in times of need, sudden aberrations and obstacles in life.

Forms of Narasimha

There are several forms of Narasimha, but nine main ones collectively known as Navanarasimha:

Ugra-narasimha
Kruddha-narasimha
Vira-narasimha
Vilamba-narasimha
Kopa-narasimha
Yoga-narasimha
Aghora-narasimha
Sudarsana-narasimha
Laksmi-narasima

In Ahobila, Andhra Pradesh, the nine forms are as follows:

Chhatra-vata-narasimha (seated under a banyan tree)
Yoganand-narasimha (who blessed Lord Brahma)
Karanja-narasimha
Uha-narasimha
Ugra-narasimha
Kroda-narasimha
Malola-narasimha (With Laksmi on His lap)
Jvala-narasimha (an eight armed form rushing out of the pillar)
Pavana-narasimha (who blessed the sage Bharadvaja)

Forms from Prahlad story:

Stambha-narasimha (coming out of the pillar)
Svayam-narasimha (manifesting on His own)
Grahana-narasimha (catching hold of the demon)
Vidarana-narasimha (ripping open of the belly of the demon)
Samhara-narasimha (killing the demon)

The following three refer to His ferocious aspect:

Ghora-Narasimha
Ugra-Narasimha
Chanda-Narasimha

........... Om Namo Narayana ...........

..........................................................

Varahamihira

Who was Varahamihira?

Varahamihira, also known as Varaha or Mihira, is an Indian Mathematician who was born during the early 6th century. He was born in the Avanti region and brought up in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh, India).

A meeting with the renowned scholar Aryabhata in Kusumapura inspired him to pursue studies in astronomy and astrology. He studied at Kapitthaka. He was one of the “Nine Jewels” of the court of Emperor Yashodharman Vikramaditya of Malwa.

Mathematician Varahamihira is renowned for compiling the Pancha-Siddhantika (Five Treatises), a comprehensive work that brings together astronomical knowledge from Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Indian traditions.

Varāhamihira’s most well-known work was Brihat Samhita. This book is all about architecture, mathematics, gemology, temples, planetary motions, astrology, cloud formation, eclipses, timekeeping, rainfall, seasons, agriculture, and many other topics.

Some Mathematicians even believed that he had a strong knowledge of predictive calculations and zodiac signs. He used to perform astrological computations and auspicious ceremonies in India in those days. The 11th-century scholar Al-Biruni greatly admired Varahamihira and praised him as an outstanding astronomer.

An Interesting Story behind the name of Varahamihira.

The term Varaha means the boar (which is also the avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu), and the Term Mihira translates to Sun.

As per ancient texts, the King Vikramaditya rewarded Varaha-Mahira with the title ‘Varaha’. King Vikramaditya once asked Varahamihira to predict his son, but he was alarmed by Mihira’s prediction.

After deeply studying the prince’s horoscope, Mihira meditated and foresaw a grave danger to the prince’s life. He predicted that in his 18th year, on a specific day and month, the prince would be killed by a boar, and no human effort could prevent this fate.

It is said that Mihira never made any false predictions. Even though the king took every precaution to protect his son from all odds. But on the predicted day,i.e., on his 18th birthday, the prince was injured and disfigured by the iron hooves of an artificial boar, which was part of the royal emblem fixed to the flagpole, and died.

Vikramaditya honored Mihira with the royal emblem in recognition of his knowledge. From then on, he became known as Varaha Mihira.

Major Works of Varahamihira

Varahamihira's literary works significantly impacted the development of Indian literature, astronomy, and astrology, and they are still studied and appreciated by scholars and practitioners today. His writings cover various subjects, including astronomy, mathematics, and astrology. Brihat Samhita, Brihat Jataka, Laghu Jataka, Pancha-siddhantika, Surya Siddhanta, and Yogayatra are some of his major literary works.

Pancha-siddhantika

Pancha-Siddhantika, or "Treatise on the Five Astronomical Canons," is one of the most important works of Varahamihira, an ancient Indian astronomer and mathematician. It is considered one of the most important texts on Indian astronomy and a valuable contribution to the field of ancient Indian science.

The book covers many topics, including planetary motions, eclipses, solstices and equinoxes, celestial measurements, and other astronomical phenomena.

It was written around the year 575 CE. It is based on Hellenistic and Vedanga Jyotisha astronomy (having Greek, Egyptian, and Roman elements).

The book is a summary of five previous works on mathematical astronomy by five different writers, including

The five Systems Included in this Treatise are:

Paitamaha Siddhanta – One of the oldest known Hindu astronomical texts, it had a strong influence on later works like Aryabhatiya and Surya Siddhanta.

Romaka Siddhanta – Thought to be inspired by ancient Greek astronomy, though the identity of its author remains unknown.

Surya Siddhanta – Traditionally linked to Latadeva, but the text itself credits its authorship to Mayasura (also known as Mamuni Mayan).

Paulisha Siddhanta – Named after Paulisa of Saintra, this text was authored by Paulisa and reflects Western astronomical thought.

Vasishtha Siddhanta – Attributed to Vishnucandra, this work is named after a star in the Great Bear constellation.

Through Pancha-Siddhantika, Varahamihira preserved and shared the essence of these five important astronomical traditions, making it a treasured text in the history of Indian science.

In this book, he writes about mathematical astronomy and talks about ayanamsa, or the shifting of the equinox is 50.32 seconds. He was the first Mathematician to speak about ayanamsa.

2. Brihat-Samhita

This is the second book written by Varahamihira. This book has 106 chapters, and hence this book is also called “great compilation”. This book is all about divination.

He even writes about other topics like astronomy, clouds, planetary movements, rainfall, eclipses, growth of crops, matrimony, gems, pearls, architecture, manufacture of perfume, domestic relations, and rituals.

It is said that many of his books have been lost. The Arab Travelers Ibn Batuta and Al Baruni, who came to India to learn Vedic Mathematics, have translated their book into different languages.

3 Brihat Jataka

It is a well-known Hindu astrology text that covers the field of horoscopy. It contains in-depth information about the various planetary positions and their effects on human life. Its shorter version is known as Laghu Jataka, which provides an overview of the science of horoscopy.

4 Surya Siddhanta

Prior to 1000 BC, people in India initiated the use of astronomical instruments, coinciding with the creation of the well-known book for astronomical calculations called the 'Suryasidhanta.' Translated as the 'sun theory,' it involves measurements of star and planet positions. Subsequently, Indian mathematicians developed their instruments and methodologies to comprehend the 'Suryasidhanta' theory.

A notable contribution from this period is the introduction of zero in mathematics and the decimal method of calculation.

Varahamihira critically analysed the 'Surya Siddhanta' alongside his other panchsiddhantika treatises, including Paitamaha Siddhantas, Paulisha Siddhantas, Romaka Siddhantas, and Vasishta Siddhantas. Additionally, Aryabhata's writings make references to the Surya Siddhanta.

Contributions of Varahamihira in Mathematics

Varahamihira is widely recognised for his contributions to trigonometry (trikonamiti) formulae. He invented new methods for calculating the sine (jya) and cosine (kojya) functions, as well as the cotangent and versine functions. Further, He improved the accuracy of Aryabhata's sine tables.

1) Sine tables were created by Aryabhata but were improved by Varahamihira.

2) He developed the algebraic properties of zero and negative numbers.

3) He was also one of the first mathematicians to discover a different form of Pascal's triangle.

4) It was used to compute the binomial coefficients.

5) His book Brihat-Samhita presented a systematic treatment of algebraic equations, including quadratic equations.

6) He was the first to discover the 4x4 magic square.

Interesting facts about Varahamihira

Though he was a Mathematical Astronomer, He had an interest in other fields too.

1) It is said that Varahamihira had constructed the “Meru Stambh”.

2) He proposed that planets and the Moon are lustrous due to sunlight, but not because of their light.

3) He even said that the Earth was spherical.

4) He penned all three main sections of Jyotisha astrology.

5)He was one of the earliest mathematicians to come up with a pattern similar to what we now call Pascal’s Triangle.

6) He was a great astrologer and astronomer. He used to see the positions of stars, the sun, the moon, and planets, and used to predict many things.

7) He explained how zero and negative numbers work in calculations and described the rules for using both positive and negative numbers in algebra.

8) He studied how light behaves when it bounces off surfaces (reflection) and when it passes through materials (refraction), describing these effects as the result of particles either bouncing back or passing through objects.

About Varahamihira Life and Family

Varahamihira lived for 80 years and had many interesting stories associated with his life. His son, Prithuyashas, also became a well-known astrologer.

He wrote two important works—Horasara, a key text in birth chart (natal) astrology, and Shatpanchashika, which focuses on Prasna (a branch of astrology that answers specific questions). While Varahamihira’s own writings were brief and to the point, Horasara was written to explain his teachings in more detail and make them easier to understand.

How did he get the name Varahamihira?

The term Varaha Means the boar (is the avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu) and the Term Mahira Means Talented.

There is a story behind this name

The then king has rewarded Varaha-Mahira with the title ‘Varaha’. King Vikramaditya was alarmed by Mihira’s prediction. King looked around the crowded court and asked in agony, “Can it be true?” No one responded to the king’s question. Breaking the silence, Mihara sadly said, “As per the position of the planets, the prince will die at the age of 18.”

Queen cried and said to the king, “My lord, you should see to it that this prediction proves false.”

It is said that Mihira never made any false predictions. Even though the king took every precaution to protect his son from all odds. But on the predicted day,i.e on his 18th birthday, the prince was been killed by a boar. From that day itself, he was been named as Varaha-Mahira.

MAHARSHI PARASHARA

 

MAHARSHI PARASHARA was a well-known Vedic Sage who is regarded as the father of Jyotish Shastra or Vedic Astrology. He is credited as the author of the Vishnu Purana, the first of 18 Puranas of Hindu Literature compiled by his son Veda Vyasa.

Rishi Parashara, a monumental figure in the field of Vedic astrology, is best known as the father of Jyotish Shastra. His work, the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, laid the foundation for Vedic astrology, influencing generations of astrologers. Born into a lineage of sages, Parashara’s teachings transcended the limits of astrology, shaping the spiritual and intellectual fabric of ancient Hindu society. His contributions continue to resonate today, making him one of the most revered sages in Hindu tradition.

Parashara Rishi was the son of Shakti Muni and Adrishyanti and a disciple of Bashkal and Yajnavalkya. Sage Parashara was actually raised by his grandfather, Rishi Vasishtha, one of the Saptarishis. It is because his father, Shakti Muni, had died before his birth and...

There is an interesting story behind the birth of Sage Parashara involving the death of his father, Shakti Muni. Once, when Shakti Muni was crossing the bridge, there came the King of Ayodhya, named Klamashpada. He belonged to the Ikshavaku Dynasty.

He was riding on his chariot, so that there was not enough space left for Shakti Muni to move forward. Shakti Muni politely requested him, but the king did not pull back his chariot. They both remained stuck on the matter.

When the King did not compromise, Shakti Muni became very angry and cursed him to become a Rakshasa. Soon, the king turned into a monster. Then the Rakshasa killed the sons of Rishi Vasishth along with Shakti Muni.

When Rishi Vashisth came to know of this incident, he got frustrated with extreme sorrow. Distracted, Rishi also decided to give up his life. But he could not succeed even after trying many times. Then he went to the Himalayas with his family.

One day, suddenly, the Vedas recitation started & he looked around in amazement. He did not see anyone. Then Shakti Muni’s wife told him that she was pregnant and the child in the womb was reciting the Vedas. Rishi Vashisth got happy and gave up the idea of giving up his life. The child was Parashara.

When Parashara learned of his father’s untimely death, he vowed to avenge his death by performing the Rakshasa Satra Yagya, a sacrificial ritual aimed at destroying all Rakshasas. The ritual was causing havoc among the Rakshasas, who began to perish one after another in the sacrificial fire.

However, Maharishi Pulastya (Grandfather of Ravana) intervened and persuaded Parashara to stop the yajna, appealing to him on the grounds of non-violence and compassion. Parashara abandoned his quest for revenge, demonstrating great restraint and wisdom, traits that would define his life and teachings thereafter.

Maharishi Pulatsya gave him many blessings and predicted that he would compose Puraan Samhita in the future, which he did, besides many others. Rishi Parashar acquired knowledge of many disciplines and gave them to the world. He has many verses in the Rig Veda.

His other compositions are Vishnu Puraan, Parashar Samhita, Parashar Geeta, Brihat Parashar Samhita, etc. In the dialogue of Bhishma and Yudhishthir in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhisma reveals the conversation between Raja Janak and Parashar to Yudhishthir.

This conversation is known as Parashar Geeta. He composed many texts out of which his texts on Astrology are the most important. Ancient and Present Astrology is based on the rules laid down by Parashara, for which he is known as the 'Father of Vedic Astrology'.

There is also a mention of Rishi Parashar in the Mahabharata, where he gets enchanted by a girl who smelled like fish and was named Matsyagandha. This girl was Satyawati, whose work was to take people across the Yamuna River. One day, Rishi Parashar met the girl when he wanted to cross the river.

He got attracted to her and expressed his desire to have a relationship with her. But she refused to have an immoral affair. However, Parashara kept persuading and pleading with her. In the end, Satyawati gave up to his wish but put 3 conditions in front of him.

* No one should be able to see us. Parashar spread dense fog everywhere with his Yogic power.

* Her virginity should not be dissolved under any circumstances. Parashara assured her that she would get back her virginity as soon as she gave birth.

* She wanted the fishy odour that came from her body to transform into an aroma.

Parashar Rishi fulfilled all her conditions, and then they made a relationship. A son was born out of it named Krishnadwaipayan, who was later known popularly as Veda Vyas-compiler of the 4 Vedas.

Rishi Parashara was a renowned maharishi in ancient Hinduism, is widely recognised for his extensive contributions to Vedic literature and astrology. He is credited with authoring the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, one of the foundational texts of Vedic astrology, and is hailed as the father of Jyotish Shastra. As the son of Sage Shakti Muni and the grandson of the great Rishi Vasishtha, one of the revered Saptarishis, Parashara’s life and works have left an indelible mark on Hindu tradition and society.

Parashara’s writings and teachings cover multiple disciplines, including dharma (righteous living), ethics, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), and astrology, thus playing a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and intellectual fabric of Hindu society.

Maharishi Parashara’s contributions to Vedic astrology are immense. His most well-known work, the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra,continues to be one of the most authoritative texts on Hindu astrology, laying the foundation for what is now known as Jyotish Shastra. In this treatise, Parashara systematically expounded on the principles of planetary positions, Nakshatras (lunar mansions), and astrological yogas (planetary combinations) that govern human destiny. The text offers detailed explanations on the effects of planetary influences on various aspects of life, including health, wealth, marriage, and spirituality.

The Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra also emphasises the importance of using astrology as a tool for better understanding one’s karma and dharma, guiding individuals toward righteous living by aligning themselves with the cosmic order. His work has continued to influence astrologers and scholars, making Parashara the undisputed father of Vedic astrology.

Principles by Shankaracharya on Bhagavad Gita..

Principles by Shankaracharya on Bhagavad Gita..

Adi Shanaracharya was one of the most prominent teachers of the Vedanta philosophy and one his major contributions was his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. The foundational principles of the Gita were prescribed by him in simple terms, as stated below.

na yogena na sāṃkhyena karmaṇā no na vidyayā.
brahmātmakabodhena mokṣaḥ siddhayati nānyathā..

न योगेन न सांख्येन कर्मणा नो न विद्यया.
ब्रह्मात्मकबोधेन मोक्षः सिद्धयति नान्यथा..

Purify Your Heart

The core summary of the principles of the Gītā is that man should perform all his tasks and duties with a positive frame of mind with an attitude of detachment towards the rewards of his tasks. This attitude toward work will help him purify his inner being or heart. .

The only way to purify the heart is to perform work while removing the expectation of rewards from the psyche. Until and unless the heart is purified, man will not develop the burning desire to know the truth - and without this burning desire to know the truth, it is impossible to develop the desire for moksha or liberation.

ग़ीता का सिद्धान्त अति संक्षेपसे यह है कि मनुष्यको निष्कामभावसे स्वकर्ममें प्रवृत्त रहकर चित्तशुद्धि करनी चाहिये। चित्तशुद्धिका उपाय ही फलाकंक्षाको छोड़कर कर्म करना है। जबतक चित्तशुद्धि न होगी, जिज्ञासा उत्पन्न नहीं हो सकती, बिना जिज्ञासा के मोक्षकी इच्छा ही असम्भव है।

Develop True Detachment

After the heart is purified, vivek or inner knowledge arises in the man of truth. The development of vivek simply means the ability to distinguish between the transitory (or variable) and the eternal (or absolute). All the constituents of the world are transitory (or variable), and only the aatmaa, which is separate from these constituents, is eternal (or absolute). When one can experience this truth, their vivek gains immense strength. This strong sense of vivek leads to the development of true detachment towards the world in the seeker’s heart.

पश्चात् विवेकका उदय होता है। विवेकका अर्थ है नित्य और अनित्य वस्तुका भेद समझना। संसारके सभी पदार्थ अनित्य हैं और केवल आत्मा उनसे पृथक् एवं नित्य है। ऐसा अनुभव होनेसे विवेकमें दृढ़ता होती है, दृढ़ विवेकसे बैराग्य उत्पन्न होता है।

The Path of Renunciation

Man’s progress towards the strengthening of true renunciation is not possible until he becomes detached towards the attainment of happiness and pleasure - in this world and beyond. Renunciation is the primary path to moksha or liberation - and it is through renunciation that sham-, dam-, titeeksha- and karma- liberation are made possible. It is only after one is liberated from these four elements that the gyana or knowledge which is necessary for attaining moksha arises or dawns onto the seeker. It is impossible to reach the state of moksha without obtaining this gyana in it is purest form.

लोक-परलोकके यावत् सुख और भोगोंके प्रति पूर्ण विरिक्ति बिना बैराग्य दृढ़ नहीं होता। अनित्य वस्तुओंमें बैराग्य मोक्षका प्रथम कारण है और इसीसे शम, दम, तितिक्षा और कर्म-त्याग सम्भव होते हैं। इसके पश्चात् मोक्षका कारण जो ज्ञान है, उसका उदय होता है। बिना विशुद्ध ज्ञानके मोक्ष किसी प्रकार भी नहीं मिल सकता।

What is true Moksha?

The paths which lead to anitya or impermanent results cannot lead one to the state of moksha. One needs to assimilate the knowledge that man and the supreme brahman are one and the same, before one can move towards moksha. The complete understanding of this truthful knowledge is indeed the state of moksha.

जिन साधनोंका फल अनित्य है वे मोक्षके कारण हो ही नहीं सकते। मोक्षका स्वरूप है जीवात्मा परमात्माकी अभिन्नताका ज्ञान। दोनों एक स्वरूप हैं, इसी ज्ञानका नाम मोक्ष है।

What is Maya?

The apparent (false) distinction between man and brahman is because of nature. The removal of this falsehood is only possible by the dawn of knowledge or gyana. Those who believe otherwise remain trapped in the realm of maya or ignorance. And that maya is the cause of a lot of confusion and misery. It is neither the truth - nor is it the untruth - but it is the abode for dvaita or the philosophy which separates man and brahman.

जीवात्मा परमात्मामें जो भेद मालूम होता है वह प्रकृतिके कारणसे है। इस भ्रान्तिकी निवृत्ति ज्ञानद्वारा होती है। द्वैत जो भासता है उसका कारण माया है। और वह माया अनिर्वचनीया है। न तो वह सत् है और न असत् है और दोनोंहीके धर्म उसमें भासते हैं।

What is truth?

That is why it has been deemed as unattainable. The truth is that maya is also deception. Since untruth cannot be created from truth and truth and untruth can never meet - this means that untruth has no inherent strength. Hence the world is indeed imaginary and dream-like in nature.

इसीलिये उसको अनिर्वचनीया विशेषण दिया गया है। वास्तवमें माया भी मिथ्या है। क्योंकि सत् से असत् की उत्पत्ति सम्भव नहीं और सत्-असत् का मेल भी सम्भव नहीं और असत् में कोई शक्ति ही नहीं। अतैव् जगत् केवल भ्रान्तिमात्र है और स्वप्नवत् है।

Gita leads to liberation

Bhagwan Shankaracharya is the preacher of the path of liberation and nivritti. He has prescribed that the Gita is the primary path or means for obtaining nivritti. According to him, it is not possible to obtain moksha without committing to sanyasa. This is his repeated teaching. One must keep in mind that Shankaracharya preaches that the path of action or karma is necessary for the purification of the heart and mind.

भगवान् शंकराचार्य निवृत्तीमार्गके उपदेष्टा हैं और गीताको भी उन्होंने निवृत्ती-मार्ग-प्रतिपादक ग्रन्थ माना है। उनके मतानुसार संन्यासके बिना मोक्ष प्राप्त नहीं हो सकता। यही उनका पुनः-पुनः कथन है। परन्तु इतना ध्यान रखना उचित है कि कर्म वा प्रवृत्ति-मार्गको वे चित्तशुद्धिके लिये आवश्यक समझते हैं।

What is true Sanyasa?

Shankaracharya does not believe that everyone is deserving of or is entitled to the path of sanyasa. The true sanyasa is that in which one does not deliberately give up or relinquish his possessions ; instead, just like a ripened fruit naturally falls from the tree, the man of sanyasa also becomes automatically detached from the world when his time is ripe. Does one need to wait for instructions on when to release a ball of golden hot metal from his hands?

अतैव वे सभीको संन्यासका अधिकारी नहीं मानते। सच्चा संन्यास अर्थात् विद्वत्संन्यास वही है जिसमें मनुष्य किसी वस्तुका त्याग नहीं करता वरं पके फल जैसे वृक्षसे आप ही गिर पड़ते हैं - संसारसे वह सर्वथा निर्लिप्त हो जाता है। लोहेके तप्त गोलेको हाथसे छोड़ देनेंके लिये किसके आदेशकी प्रतीक्षा होती है
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