Pearls from Pasaayadaan: Part 2

 

Pearls from Pasaayadaan: Part 2

आतां विश्वात्मकें देवें
येणें वाग्यज्ञें तोषावें
तोषोनि मज द्यावें
पसायदान हें

Dnyaaneshwar dived deep into the heart of the Bhagwad Geeta and in his inimitable style, steeped in delicate emotions, and supported by innumerable exotic metaphors, extensively elaborated upon the original 700 verses( shlokas) of the Geeta taking the count to 9000 ovis. 

At the end of his exposition he dedicated these at the feet of his Guru, Nivrittinath, who was also his older brother. 

Dnyaaneshwar’s devotion to Nivrittinath is to be studied carefully for indeed it is a shining example of an ideal student.  Nivrittinath is a perfect example of what Samarth Ramdas describes in his Dasbodh(दासबोध) as Sadguru( सद्गुरू) 

A Sadguru is one who is firmly established in the knowledge of the Supreme Being. His actions are pure and conforming to righteous duties. He is completely detached from worldly matters. Greed or temptation cannot sway him. He has freed himself from identification with the physical body. Only a guru with these qualifications is capable of leading an earnest student towards spiritual enlightenment.

Dnyaaneshwar dutifully followed the orders of his Guru to explain the Bhagwad Geeta in simple vernacular language so that the common man of his times could avail of the holy knowledge and thereby have the opportunity to seek spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. At every step he reiterated that it was because of the powers of his Guru that he got the inspiration for words. One step further he goes on to say that he is merely an instrument in the hands of his ever gracious and loving Guru, the real work is done by the Guru. He himself is enlightened enough to disown credit for himself. Giving up doership is easier said than done. I recognize myself from time to time trying to assert things that I have done and have to reign in that thought because it is arising from ego. Indeed for Dnyaaneshwar there is no trace of ego in him. That’s why that name is so apt for him. The Lord of True Knowledge! It is rather amusing and paradoxical that one needs to give up Lordship over knowledge to become the Lord of knowledge! 

At the time of dedication of the entire work of his lifetime Dnyaaneshwar surrenders at the feet of Nivrittinath and seeks his blessings. But these are not ordinary blessings. Nothing was ordinary about Dnyaaneshwar.

The first verse begins with the word aataa. It means now. 

That word has significance. The work is completed and behind him. It is a turning point, a movement forward. He has surrendered the work as well as doership and stands free.

He addresses in the present moment. Who does he address? Vishwaatmake deve! The universal, all pervasive Lord ! He sees his Guru Nivrittinath as not separate from this universal Supreme Being. 

Yene (येणे)means ByThis.

 Vagyadnye(वाग्यज्ञें) is a composite of two words. Vak(वाक्) means speech. Yagna(यज्ञ) is selfless, dedicated work/ action or service. 

Toshaave(तोषावे) means to be pleased. 

This service of exposition of the Bhagwad Geeta in simple Marathi language for the benefit of common people is now complete.

Oh all pervading universal Lord, may you be pleased by this service .

Toshoni (तोषोनी) having been pleased

 maja(मज) to me

 dyaave(द्यावे) give

Pasaayadaan (पसायदान)is again a composite word. Pasaay(पसाय) means prasad . Something given from God into one’s hands with palms brought together to receive it. 

Daan(दान)=donation, blessing, gift.

hey(हे) =This.

And in your state of satisfaction and happiness over the completion of this service kindly grant me the following blessing.

Two simple lines but they are pregnant with so much spiritual wisdom.

The nature of God as being all pervading, universal has been described. 

The oneness of an enlightened Guru with the Supreme Godhead is implied in this address.

It sets the tone of surrender of ego and doership and profound humility. How any work should be performed, in what spirit?

What should be the attitude and tone when seeking blessings?