Svarupanusandhanam: Contemplation on the Self’s Nature — Part 2
Svarupanusandhanam: Contemplation on the Self’s Nature — Part 1
The quest to grasp that ultimate essence, the tattvaṁ or Reality, is an odyssey of profound introspection and spiritual mentorship. In the illuminating second verse, Adi Shankara, delves into the profound role of the Guru in this transformative journey. The student, equipped with Sadhana Chatushtaya — the essential four-fold qualities of viveka (discernment), vairagya (dispassion), shad-sampat (the six treasures of noble virtues), and mumukshutva (an ardent longing for liberation) — seeks the guidance of a Guru to unravel the mysteries of Reality. The term ‘Guru’ itself, meaning ‘the dispeller of darkness’, symbolizes the one who eradicates the veil of ignorance, revealing the true nature of the Self.
dayāluṁ guruṁ brahmaniṣṭhaṁ praśāntaṁ
samārādhya matyā vicārya svarūpam,
yadāpnoti tattvaṁ nididhyāsya vidvān
paraṁ brahma nityaṁ tadevāhamasmi. || 2 ||
Aham asmi, I am, tad eva, verily that nityam, eternal, paraṁ, supreme, brahma, Brahman, yat, which is the tattvaṁ, Reality, āpnoti, attained by a vidvān, wise man, who having approached and samārādhya, worshipped well, the gurum, Guru, has through mati, the intellect, vicārya, enquired into and nididhyāsya, has meditated upon svarūpam by sits one-pointed with the understanding that paraṁ brahma nityaṁ tadevāhamasmi. This understanding sinks into one’s deeper realms within, transforming oneself inside out and finally that Reality is attained. Adi Shankara further accentuates the qualities of the Guru —
- dayālum, compassionate,
- brahmaniṣṭham, established in Brahman, and
- praśāntam, absolutely serene
The relationship between the student and the Guru is not just a matter of seeking and finding. It transcends this dualistic approach. The Guru doesn’t simply appear; he is revealed when the student is truly prepared. The Guru, an embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss), is the very essence of the student’s true nature. When necessary, this universal consciousness manifests in the form of a Guru, guiding the student towards the pinnacle of spiritual realisation.
To this point, the dialogue emphasises the preliminary steps on this spiritual path. It begins with purifying the mind through dedicated actions, thereby nurturing the four-fold qualifications within the aspirant. Having cultivated these virtues, the student is then drawn to the Guru. Here, the student engages in reflective contemplation of the Guru’s teachings and delves into deep meditation on svarūpam, the true nature of the Self. This process is not merely an academic exercise but a transformational journey that reshapes the aspirant’s entire being from within, leading them towards the profound realisation of the Ultimate Reality that he is.
So until this point, what has been said? First, purification of mind through a life of dedicated actions prepares the student by cultivating the four-fold qualifications. After attaining such qualifications, the student approaches the Guru, reflecting on His teachings and meditating on svarūpam.
Svarupanusandhanam: Contemplation on the Self’s Nature — Part 3
