Taatiche Abhang : An overview of truths learned
An overview of truths learned from the Taatiche Abhang:
Taatiche Abhang hold secret code words to unlock and open the chamber of one’s consciousness. Each word is like a puzzle. Solving it with clever thought opens one door and leads deeper inside the cave of the heart. There is immense light emanating from the inner vault and though you keep feeling you are almost there, each moment you feel you can move another inch closer to the light. There is a joy in that grappling for more light. You can go back to the last word and each time it opens the door to a new chamber. It is pure magic.
While it is impossible to put together the totality of inner experience brought by the meditation upon the words, one can catalogue broader lessons conveyed by these abhangas.
1.Bramha Vidya:
In multiple lines through these abhang Muktabai has delved deep into the essence of Hindu philosophy. It is a unique philosophy that stands on solid foundations of science. The concept of God principle or Brahman has been extensively discussed and elucidated by numerous scholars in the Vedic texts, specifically in the various Upanishads which are integral parts of the Vedas.
She touches upon the fact that this Brahman serves as the substratum of all things in creation, including human intelligence and emotion.
विश्व पट ब्रह्म दोरा।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा II
रागें भरावे कवणाशी ।
आपण ब्रम्ह सर्वदेशी II
The entire abhang 7 discusses the all pervading Brahman.
ब्रह्म जैसें तैशा परी ।
आम्हा वडील भूतें सारी ॥१॥/आम्हा वेढिले भूति चारी ।
वाद घालावा कवणाला ।
अवघा द्वैताचा हो घाला
And then simplifies the concept of self realization as dis-identifying oneself from all mental and physical processes and characteristics.
सांडी कल्पना उपाधी ।
तीच साधूला समाधी
There is reference to the primordial sound OM that is the origin of all manifestation.
शून्य साक्षित्वें समजावें ।
वेद ओंकाराच्या नावें ॥५॥
She discusses the rather complex issues of Maya with a natural ease.
उठे विकार ब्रह्मी मूळ ।
अवघे मायेचें गबाळ ॥
माया समूळ नुरे जेव्हां ।
विश्व ब्रह्म होइल तेव्हां ॥
ऐसा उमज आदिअंतीं ।
मग सुखी व्हावे संती II
Then proceeds to allude to the circumstances around the transition from one birth to another. A holy and self realized person’s state of peace and joy are carried over into the next realm after the physical body is discarded. Thus investing in good thinking and deeds brings long term returns. It is not just a benefit of one lifetime.
इह परलोकीं सुखी ।
शुद्ध ज्ञान ज्यांचे मुखीं
2.Defining Traits of Saints:
संत जेणें व्हावें ।
जग बोलणे साहावें
योगी पावन मनाचा।साही अपराध जनाचा ॥१॥
विश्व रागें झाले वन्ही। संती सुखें व्हावें पाणी ॥२॥
शब्द शस्त्रं झालें क्लेश । संती मानावा उपदेश ॥३॥
वरी भगवा झाला नामें ।
अंतरीं वश्य केला कामें ॥१॥
त्याला म्हणूं नये साधू ।
जगीं विटंबना बाधू ॥२॥
आशा दंभ अवघें आवरा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा ॥
संत तेचि जाणा जगीं ।
दया क्षमा ज्यांचे अंगी ॥१॥
लोभ अहंता न ये मना ।
जगी विरक्त तोची जाणा
एक आपण साधू झाले ।
येर कोण वाया गेले ? ॥
चिंता क्रोध मागे सारा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा ॥
सांडी कल्पना उपाधी ।
तीच साधूला समाधी
The positive traits that define a saint as well as the negative ones that are red flags to identify fake saints are clearly described in her verses. The positive include self restraint, tolerance, compassion, forgiveness, detachment, truthfulness, humility, anger control, etc
The negative are highlighted by endless chase of desires, harboring anger and presence of egoism amongst other things.
There is a subtle nudge for making efforts towards becoming a saint and not so subtle warning to recognize and steer clear from the fakes.
It is important to note that not every saint in history was born with these essential traits. The qualities had to be gradually and consciously developed. Most saints were molded by the company of other saints of their time.
It is also noteworthy that most, if not all, saints endured much hardships in their lives. Instead of breaking down or getting bitter, these hardships shaped them into better humans. That turning point brings focus to the options each of us has when faced with difficult situations. Who we get the inspiration from at these defining moments is of utmost importance.
3.Self Improvement
Whether or not one seeks sainthood, the outlined character development is a blueprint for any ordinary individual who wishes to become a better person each day.
4.Diversity, Equality, Inclusivity
We are in an era where the latest corporate push and social activism are focusing on the principles of DEI. Almost eight centuries ago this young lady propounded these very basic concepts in no uncertain terms.
एकापासुनी अनेक झाले ।
त्यासी पाहिजे सांभाळिले
सुखसागरी वास झाला ।
उंच नीच काय त्याला ॥
बोधा करुं नये अंतर ।
साधू नाहिं आपपर
5.Staying grounded
This needs no further explanation! Stay real, stay humble and you will find your way.
मिथ्या कल्पना मागें सारा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा ॥
एकें उंचपण केले ।
एक अभिमानें गेलें ॥
इतकें टाकुनी शांती धरा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा ॥
पुढे उमजेना काय ।
उडत्याचे खाली पाय ॥
6.Valuing efforts for honing skills and acquiring tools for living
अवघी साधन हातवटी ।
मोलें मिळत नाही हाटीं
She upheld the truth of the universe that everything that needs to be achieved calls for efforts. It is human tendency to expect the easy way or to be served things ready on a platter. Her no-nonsense attitude dispels this notion in one swift motion. You can’t buy skills or means for living in any market, she says point blank. Work for it !
7.Giving back to the community
Worldly life must come to a full circle by sharing with the world what you acquired in this world. Whether it is wealth or wisdom, skills or knowledge it must not die with you. It must be passed on. That too with a sense of purpose, responsibility, compassion, humility, gratitude and grace.
सुखसागर आपण व्हावें ।
जग बोधें निववावें ॥
बोधा करुं नये अंतर ।
साधू नाहिं आपपर ॥
जीव जीवासी पैं दयावा ।
मग करुं नये हेवा ॥
तरणोपाय चित्तीं धरा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा
तुम्ही तरुनी विश्व तारा ।
ताटी उघडा ज्ञानेश्वरा
As one can see the categories range from occult sciences to practical living. There is a seamless integration of logic, ethics, psychology, sociology, science and spirituality. No matter how rudimentary a student’s intellectual capacity may be at the beginning, a sincere study of these abhangas is bound to influence positive outcomes. The more I delve into it I see a lot of similarity of this text with the Bhagwad Gita considering the wholesome nature of the teachings contained in these twelve abhangas.This is a very practical guide for navigating through life. Above and beyond that it is a handbook for the total perfection of any individual. A true gem amongst the literary works of saints of Maharashtra.
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