Sadhana Panchakam, Second Verse

Translation and Commentary by Jayaram V

Second Verse

sangha satsu vidheeyataam bhagavatho bhaktirdrdhaadheeyataam
shaantyaadih paricheeyataam drdhataram karmaasu santyajyataam
sadvidyaanupasrupyataam pratidinam thathpaaduka sevyatam
brahmaikaaksharamardhyataam shrutisirovaakyam samakarnyathaam

Translation

sangha = association, relationship; satsu = pious people, truth seekers, satpurushas or sattvic people; vidheeyatam = practiced, observed; bhagavathah = to God; bhakti = devotion; drdha = firm, strong, fixed; adheeyataam = established in the mind; shaantyaadih = peace and the like; paricheeyataam = examined, increased, practiced; drdhataram = strengthened or reinforced through habit or repetition; karmaasu = actions or karmas; santyajyataam = given up, renounced; sadvidvaan = a wise and pious scholar or teacher who has the right knowledge; upasrupyataam = approached; pratidinam = every day; thathpaaduka = his sandals, wooden shoes; sevyatam = served; brahma = brahman; eka = one; aksharam = imperishable; ardhyataam = asked persistently or earnestly;  shruti = of the shruti; sira = the head or the crown; the Upanishads; vaakyam = statements or mahavakyas; samakarnyathaam = listened with equal attention.

Meaning

Association with people who are pure and truthful shall be practiced. The mind shall be filled with firm devotion to God. Peace and the like must be increased through practice. The resolve to give up all actions shall be strengthened. A truly wise and pious teacher who has the right knowledge shall be approached. Every day, his feet shall obediently be worshipped. He shall persistently be asked about the one imperishable Brahman. The great statements, which are considered the epitome of the Vedas, shall attentively be listened with both ears.

Explanation

These instructions are foundational in nature. They are not for the householders, but those who live in seclusion, having given up worldly life or retired from their active duties to prepare themselves mentally and physically for liberation. In other words, they are especially meant for those who have taken up vanaprastha or forest life, which in today’s parlance is the life of retirement. At this stage, they are supposed to give up the triple pursuit of Dharma (rituals and sacrifices), Artha (wealth) and Kama (pleasure), and focus solely upon Moksha or liberation.

Renunciation is a prerequisite for self-realization. It is a process and requires effort to give up old habits and attitudes and replace them with newer ones. These instructions are meant for that transformation, in which self-effort (adhyatmika) has to be augmented with the help from others (adhibhautika) and from God (adhidaivika). Just as the previous sloka, this also contains eight instructions. They are briefly explained. Again, for convenience, they have been presented in the instructive mode.For commentary on each of the instructions please click on the links.

1. Practice satsang, association with truthful and pious people

2. Strengthen your devotion to God

3. Develop peace and the like

4. Strengthen the resolve to give up all actions

5. Approach a true and knowledgeable teacher

6. Worship at his feet

7. Earnestly ask him about the One imperishable Brahman

8. Attentively listen to the statements which are the epitome of the Vedas