Sadhana Panchakam, Instruction 1

Translation and Commentary by Jayaram V

1.1 Study the Vedas

Everyone is not born with the aspiration or motivation to pursue self-knowledge or liberation. It happens in rare cases only when one spiritually evolves through numerous births. In others, it is rekindled through effort and self-study (svadhyaya). They have to sustain and reinforce their spiritual curiosity through the regular study and recitation (abhyasa) of the Vedas and other spiritual texts. It is especially important in the early stages, when the mind is still scattered and distracted. One can study any spiritual text to which the soul is drawn.

The Vedas are specially mentioned here because they are considered revelations (sruti) and Brahman in knowledge form. Of the Vedas, the Upanishads are the most important; of the Upanishads, the 12 or 13 principal ones have to be studied; and of them, seekers should study and contemplate upon those verses which speak about the self (atman), Supreme Self (Brahman) and liberation. Through their study and understanding the initiate shall acquire the knowledge (vidya) of Brahman or self.

However, one should not mistake it for true knowledge. Its source is not the transcendental self. By acquiring it, one does not become a knower of Brahman. He just gets an idea of what it is or what can be expected. True knowledge (sahaja vidya) arises from knowing the self by the self (atmanubhuti), in which one experiences oneness (ekatvam) and becomes absorbed in pure consciousness.

If you want to keep your spirit of inquiry and spiritual fervor alive, you have to study the scriptures and keep your mind filled with their light and wisdom. Knowledge is a purifier. It will purify your mind and elevate your thoughts. The practice of acquiring knowledge through various means is commonly known as jnana yoga, the sacrificial pursuit of knowledge, which is also the starting point for many other yogas, including karma yoga, bhakti yoga and sannyasa yoga.

Again, it is not necessary that you should study the Vedas only. You can pick any text in which you have faith or to which you are naturally drawn due the predominance of your gunas. In a broader sense, any sacred knowledge which leads you to God or higher wisdom is Veda only. Isvara manifests in creation in numerous forms, sometimes as a text or as a guru, teacher, saint or seer.

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