“पुस्तकज्ञानें निश्चये धरणें । तरी गुरु कासया करणें ।
याकारणें विवरणें । आपुल्या प्रत्ययें ।। १२-६-३० ।।”
Pustakdnyane nischaye dharane | Tari guru kasayaa karane |
Yaakarane vivarane | aplulya pratyaye ||12.6.30||
If a seeker could firmly realize the Supreme Truth (Paramatma) merely by reading books without practical experience, there would be no need for a Sadguru. Bookish knowledge is superficial. Therefore, one must experience the Truth oneself and contemplate deeply with right discrimination.
In this verse (Ovi), Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami teaches us that our wisdom should be based on personal spiritual experience (Pratyaya).
In the first three verses of Chapter 12, Sub-chapter 6 (Samas), Shri Samarth describes the nature of Parabrahma (the Supreme Being). It is formless (Nirguna), pure (Nirmala), eternal (Shashvata), and immaculate (Vimala). It has no birth or death; it transcends both nothingness (Shunya) and illusion (Maya). From it arose the primary intent (Sankalpa), creating Mulamaya (the original manifest power). From Mulamaya came the three qualities (Gunas):
- Sattva (Purity/Preservation): Expressed as Lord Vishnu, the preserver.
- Rajas (Activity/Creation): Expressed as Lord Brahma, the creator of the three worlds.
- Tamas (Destruction/Dissolution): Expressed as Lord Shiva, the destroyer.
From these three Gunas, the five basic elements (Panchamahabhutas) came into manifestation.
The Creation and Dissolution of the Universe
The verses go on to explain how the elements were created:
- Space (Akasha): Represents the inner Soul (Antaratma).
- Air (Vayu): Arose from movement in Space.
- Fire & Light (Agni/Tejas): Formed from the interaction of cool and warm air.
- Water (Jala): Formed from this divine energy.
- Earth (Prithvi): Created from water, giving life to plants, medicines, food, and 84 lakh species of living beings.
A spiritual seeker (Sadhaka) should first observe this order of creation and then understand how it dissolves back into its source. This deep reflection is called Sara-asara Vichara (discriminating between the eternal and the temporary).
At the time of dissolution (Mahapralaya), everything returns to where it came from. Yet, throughout creation, sustenance, and destruction, the eternal, unchanging Brahma remains exactly as it is. Creation and dissolution are merely temporary illusions (Upadhi). A seeker must learn to look past these temporary forms and stay connected to the eternal reality.
Why Bookish Knowledge is Not Enough
To develop this subtle discernment, reading books is not enough. One must surrender with deep longing to a Sadguru who has directly experienced the Ultimate Truth.
Many people mistake Mulamaya (the source of the illusory world) for the Supreme Being because they lack discernment. They remain trapped in worldliness. Shri Samarth guides us through verse 31 on how to cross over this illusion:
“जो बहुतांच्या बोलें लागला । तो नेमस्त जाणावा बुडाला।
एक साहेब नस्तां कोणाला । मुश्यारा मागावा ।। १२-६-३१ ।।”
Jo bahutanchya bole lagala | to nemasta janava budaalaa |
Ek saaheb nastaa konalaa | mushyara magavaa ||12-6-31 ||
Anyone who listens to too many conflicting opinions gets confused and lost. If a person does not have one master, from whom will he claim his wages?
Even in worldly life, when we buy an electronic device, we need a guide despite having a manual. Engineers and accountants undergo training under experts. To break free from the complex web of Maya, we need a master who truly knows the Path.
The Key to Divine Grace
The Master of this universe is the Lord of infinite realms (Ananta Koti Brahmanda Nayaka). The key to reaching His feet is subtle: it is Guru-Kripa (the Guru’s Grace).
How do we dissolve our subtle ego (Aham)? No book or general lecture can teach this secret. While books give us words, only the Guru’s words reveal the hidden inner meaning (Lakshyansha).
When we read the Shrimat Dasbodh with the Guru’s grace, the deeper secret behind every verse unfolds naturally, filling us with divine joy and energy. Life itself becomes a spiritual science when guided by the Guru.
To receive this knowledge:
- Keep your spiritual practice (Sadhana) simple: One Guru, One Text, One Practice.
- Whether the Guru is physically present or not, they exist in pure consciousness. If your yearning is genuine, they will guide you and provide everything you need.
The Touch of the Guru
A philosopher’s stone (Paris) is said to turn an ordinary metal into gold, but this stone cannot turn the ordinary metal into another philosopher’s stone. Parents teach us how to live in the world, but the Sadguru—like a loving mother—frees the surrendered devotee from the cycle of birth and death, elevating them to their own divine status.
|| Jai Jai Raghuveer Samarth ||
Sadguru nath maharaj ki jay🙏🌹