Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 31 - 35

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 31 - 35

श्री ज्ञानेक्ष्वर उवाच

द्वेषभावेन सम्युक्ताः प्रेमभावविवर्जिताः |

समधर्मं वदन्त्येव वृथा पण्डितमानिनः ||

नैव नश्यति भेदस्तु ब्रह्मज्ञानं विना ननु |

कृष्णभक्त्या विना नूनं ब्रह्मज्ञानं न लभ्यते ||

तस्मादहर्निशं भक्त्या पाण्डुरङ्गं कृपानिधिम् |

शृण्वन् गायन् कीर्तयंक्ष्च द्वन्द्वमोहाद्विमुच्यते ||

विहितेनैव धर्मेण शास्त्रेषु भगवान् हरिः |

आराध्यते वैष्ण्वैस्तु स्वातन्तन्त्र्यात्पतितो भवेत् ||

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्युक्त्वा ज्ञानदेवोsयमनुज्ञातो द्विजोत्तमैः |

स्वच्छन्दं परिवव्राज भगिनीभ्रातृभिस्तथा ||

Shri Gnanadeva said

Those who do not have unfettered love for others and those who nature enmities in their hearts, preach, the idea of shedding differences, considering themselves to be wise ascetics. Certainly such a disposition of searching for differences among living beings will not die unless one acquires true knowledge of the Brahman. So one attains alvstion and redemption from ignorance only when he engages himself day nd night in singing in praise of the merciful Lord Panduranga, speaking in praise of Him and listening to His glories with great devotion. Lord Hari is rightly worshipped and propitiated by the vaishnavas following the precepts of the Shastras. One who neglects them and acts on his own, is considered spiritually lost

Shri Sadguru continued

Having stated so, Shri Gnanadeva took leave of the Brahmanas. He wandered breathing free air along with his brothers and sisters.

Thus ends Chapter Two entitled ‘Gnaneshwara Charitam’ of Book VIII of Shri Vaishnava Samhita, composed by Shri Shri Krishna Premi Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 29 - 30

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 29 - 30

ब्राह्मणा ऊचुः

युष्माकं ज्ञानिनामद्य संसकारेणापि किं फलम् |

आजन्मशुद्धा यूयं तु जीवन्मुक्ताः सुनिर्मलाः ||

नूनं निष्कल्मषा यूयं व्यासपुत्रादयो यथा |

युष्माकं नाधिकारोस्ति श्रौतस्मार्तेषु कर्मसु ||

The Brahmanas said

You are born pious. You are blemishes. You are self realized. Hence you do not need to undergo the ritual of upanayanam. You are as flawless as Shri Shuka. You are not bound by the rites explained by the Vedas and Shastras.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 27 - 28

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 27 - 28

श्री सद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्युक्त्वा ग्यानदेवोपि पस्पर्श महिषं तदा |

चकार सामगानं स महिषः सुस्वरं बत ||

सर्वेऽपि ब्राह्मणाः सद्य प्रतिष्ठाननिवासिनः |

ग्यानदेवं नमस्कृत्य तुष्टुवुर्ब्रह्मवित्तमम् ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Having spoken thus, Shri Gnanadeva touched his buffalo. The very same moment he started singing the Sama very melodiously. Immediately all the Brahmanas residing at Pratishthanapuram bowed to Gnanadeva, the wise and the brahma gnani.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 25 - 26

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 25 - 26

श्रीज्ञानेक्ष्वर उवाच

व्यवहारे भेदभावो विद्यते ह्यविवेकिनाम् |

सर्वत्र ज्ञानिनामेको वासुदेवो हि दृश्यते ||

यदि सर्वत्र सर्वात्मा पन्दुरङ्गो हि वर्तते |

अयञ्च महिषो व्यक्तं सामगानं कतोत्विह ||

Shri Gnanadeva replied

Only the low-witted men entertain such distinctions in this mundane life. But the spiritually advanced ones find only Shri Vasudeva in everything and everywhere. If it is true that Lord Panduranga is omnipresent, let this buffalo receive the Same Veda

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 23 - 24

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 23 - 24

ब्राह्मणा ऊचुः

यदि सर्वत्र भगवान् पन्दुरङ्ग प्रकाशते |

तारतम्यं कुतो भाति समत्वं तु न विद्यते ||

यदि युष्मासु चास्मासु भेदभावो न वर्तते |

अयञ्च महिषोप्यद्य सामगानं कतोत्विह ||

The Brahmanas said

If it is true that Lord Panduranga is present everywhere in the world, then why should there be differences of high and low? We do not perceive the absence of diversities in this world. If it is true that there are no differences among living beings, this buffalo shall be able to receive the Same Veda. Shan’t he be?

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 21 - 22

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 21 - 22

श्रीज्ञानेक्ष्वर उवाच

वयं हि ब्राह्मणाः सत्यं ब्रह्मज्ञानेन केवलम् |

तथापि लोकशिक्षायै प्रार्थयामो द्विजोत्तमाः ||

हरिरस्मासु युष्मासु सर्वत्र व्याप्य तिष्ठति |

एवामद्वैतभावेन पश्येद्भेदविवर्जितः ||

Shri Gnanadeva said

We have realized the Brahman and hence have become true Brahmanas. Yet we want to show the world the truth. That is why we plead to you. Shri Bhagavan is omnipresent. He is in you all and in us too. You should have such a clear conception that there is now reason for discrimination of any kind. You should give up the idea of duality.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 19 - 20

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 19 - 20

श्रीज्ञानेक्ष्वर उवाच

विप्राः संप्राप्य विक्ष्वासं सत्यवाक्येन केवलम् |

कुरुध्वं द्विजसंस्कारं जाबालेर्गौतमो यथा ||

ब्राह्मणा ऊचुः

अब्राह्मणानां संस्कारं कथं कुर्याम बालकाः |

युष्माकं नैव जानीमो गोत्रं स्वच्छन्दवर्तिनाम् ||

Shri Gnanadeva requested

Oh! Brahmanas! Please have belief in my words and perform our upanayanam as Sage Gautama did for Jabali.

The Brahmanas replied

Oh! Children! You are roaming about as orphans. We do not know your lineage. How can we perform upanayanam for you who are not know to be true brahmanas ?

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 17 - 18

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 17 - 18

ब्राह्मणा उचुः |

पितृभ्यां रहितानां वो न जानीमः कुलं वयम् |

कथं कुर्याम विक्ष्वासं बालानां वचने च वः ||

ज्ञातीनन्यान् सहानीय शीघ्रमायात बालकाः |

तदा कुर्याम संस्कारं ज्ञात्वा श्रेष्ठं कुलं वयम् ||

The Brahmanas said

You are parentless, How can we know your origin? Can we take faith in the words of you children ? Oh! Children! You come again soon along with your other relatives. Coming to know of your background and the prestige of your clan, we will perform your upanayanam.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 14 - 16

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 14 - 16

श्रीज्ञानेक्ष्वर उवाच

विप्रा नमोस्तु युष्मभ्यमन्जिलञ्च करोम्यहम् |

सावधानं महात्मानः शृणुध्वं प्रार्थनां मम ||

वयं तु नोपनीताः स्मो जाता ब्रह्मकुलेपि च |

तस्मात् पितृभ्यां रहिता भजामः शरणं वयम् ||

कृत्वोपनयनसंस्कारमस्माकं वेदवित्तमाः |

कुलधर्मं पालयत कृपया नः सनातनम् ||

Shri Gnanadeva said

Oh! Brahmanas! Venerations to you. You great men must please pay heed to my request. Though we are all born in the brahmana community, we are not yet blessed with the sacred thread. (The ritual of upanayanam is not yet performed). Parentless as we are, we take refuge in you. Oh! Exponents of the Vedas! Please perform our upanayanam and save, and establish the dharma of the brahmana community.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 8 - 13

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 8 - 13

पुत्री चसीन्महाबुद्धिर्मुक्ताबायॆति विश्रुता |

सर्वसद्गुणसंपन्ना हरिभक्तिसमन्विता ||

तान् सर्वान् संपरित्यज्य स्वान् शिशून् कलभाषिणः |

विरक्तो विट्ठलो देहं गङ्गायामुत्ससर्ज ह ||

ते सर्वे शिशवक्ष्चापि जन्मना ब्रह्मवादिनः |

इतस्ततः सञ्चरन्ति विरक्ताः पितृवर्जिताः ||

देहयात्राञ्च कुर्वन्ति भिक्षान्नेनैव केवलम् |

वृक्षमूले वसन्तक्ष्च गोविन्दध्यानतत्पराः ||

कदाचिल्लोकमर्यादां रक्षितुं तेपि पुत्रकाः |

ज्ञानदेवं पुरस्कृत्य जग्मुर्विप्रसभां क्वचित् ||

दूरतो ब्राह्मणान् दृष्ट्वा सामगानपरायणान् |

भ्रातृभ्यां सह नत्वाsथ ज्ञानदेवोsब्रवीच्च तान् ||

They had a daughter named Muktabai who was adorned with all virtues, was very intelligent and was a great devotee. The self renounced Vitthaladasa left behind his loving young children in the lisping stage and got relieved of his body drowning in the Ganga. Those parentless children, having inborn profound Brahma Gnana and endowed with a detached attitude were roaming about here and there. They led a life begging for alms and living under the tree, all the time engaged in meditation upon Shri Govinda. In order to protect and abide by the rules of society, they wanted to get the sacred thread ceremony performed. So, led by Gnanadeva, those children once reached n association of Brahmanas. Meeting the Brahmanas engaged in singing the Same Veda, Gnanadeva, along with his brothers submitted venerations to them, and said as follows.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 6 - 7

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 6 - 7

आसीद्विट्ठलदासाख्यो ब्राह्मणो वेदवित्तमः |

रुक्मिण्या भार्यया सार्धं गार्हस्थ्यं धर्ममाचरन् ||

तयोर्ब्राह्मणदम्पत्योः पुत्राक्ष्चासन् तपस्विनोः |

निवृत्तिज्ञानसोपानदेवा ब्रह्मविदां वराः ||

There was a great brahmana, greatest among the exponents of the Vedas, named Vitthaladasa leading a happy married life with his wife Rukmini. Three brahma gnanis were born as the sons of this couple. They were, named Nivrittideva, Gnanadeva and Sopanadeva.

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 3 - 5

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 3 - 5

न जन्मना न व्रतेन न संस्कारेण विद्यया |

भवन्ति ब्रह्मणः सत्यं ब्रह्मज्ञानेन केवलम् ||

यः पश्येत्सर्वभूतानि भगवद्भावमास्थितः |

स एव ब्राह्मणः सत्यं चण्डालोपि न संशयः ||

द्वन्द्वमोहविमुक्तस्य ब्रह्मध्यानपास्य च |

अतीतालोकवेदस्य ब्रह्मसूत्रेण किं फलम् ||

One is not considered a brahmana just because of his birth in a particular clan or indulgence in religious rites or the performance of rituals like the upanayanam or his scholarship. One becomes a brahmana due to the possession of the Brahma gnana, the profound knowledge of the universal soul. Despite being a low-born, certainly he becomes a brahmana if he values all beings as manifestations of Shri Bhagavan. What use the sacred thread has for one who is rid of deception born of the differences nurtured in the heart, has meditation upon the Brahman as the only object of his life. stands above the regulations prescribed by the Vedas and the rules of the conduct prevalent in the world? (He is not benefitted specially by the ritual of wearing the sacred thread).

Vaishnava Samhita. Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 1 - 2

Gnaneshwar Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 2 Shlokas 1 - 2

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

शूद्रो भवेज्जन्मनैव संस्कारेण द्विजः स्मृतः |

मुनिर्मननशीलक्ष्च मन्त्रद्रष्टा ऋषिर्भवेत् ||

अद्वैतभावसम्युक्तो ब्रह्मविद् ब्राह्मणो भवेत् |

वासुदेवः सर्वमिति ज्ञानिनस्ते सुदुर्लभाः ||

Shri Sadguru said

One is not considered a high-born because of his birth. One becomes a dwija due to the ritual of upanayanam. One is considered a seer because of his deep immersion in meditation. One who expounds mantras becomes a rich. He who has realized the Brahman with a clear perception of the idea of monism or lack of duality between the individual soul and the universal soul, is a true brahmana. It is very rare to find such a man of profound wisdom who realizes that everything is the manifestation of Lord Shri Vasudeva Himself

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 27 - 31

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 27 - 31

श्रीसद्गुरुरुवाच

इत्य्क्त्वा पुण्डरीकोपि पितृभ्यां सह भार्यया |

आतिथ्येनैव विधिना पूजयामास माधवम् ||

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो विप्रः पुण्डरीकाक्षमच्युतम् |

भक्त्यैव प्रार्थयामास पुण्डरीको दृढव्रतः ||

कुरु ते नित्यसान्निध्यं चन्द्रभागातटे प्रभो |

कलावपि जनाः सर्वे पश्यन्तु त्वां क्रुपानिधिम् ||

इत्य्क्तः पुण्डरीकाक्षः पुण्डरीकेन भाषितम् |

अङ्गीकृत्य बाढमिति पुनक्ष्च द्वारकां ययौ ||

अद्यापि पन्दरीक्षेत्रे कलावस्मिन् युगे प्रभुः |

अर्चावताररूपेण भक्तैः क्रीडति माधवः ||

Shri Sadguru continued

Having spoken thus, Pundarika quite systematically performed the Pooja of Lord Madhava along with his wife and parents. The firm devotee Pundarika with palms held together in devotion, repeatedly prayed to Shri Achyuta, the lotus-eyed. “Oh! Lord! You should please stay eternally on the bank of this river Chandrabhaga. I wish that the people of the Kaliyuga see You, the ocean of mercy, easily”. The lotus-eyed Lord accepted the request of Pundarika and promised to do so. Then, he returned to Dwarka. Even today, in this Kaliyuga, in Pandaripuram, Lord Madhava, takes delight in the company of the bhaktas in Archavatara form.

Thus ends Chapter One entitled ‘Pundarika Charitam’ of Book VIII of Shri Vaishnava Samhita, composed by Shri Shri Krishna Swamigal.

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 23 - 26

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 23 - 26

श्रीपुण्डरीक उवाच

अहो ब्रह्मादिसेव्यस्त्वं वासुदेवः सनातनः |

अवतीर्णोसि लोकेस्मिन् धर्मसंरक्षणाय हि ||

नारदस्योपदेशेन जानामि त्वां जनार्दनः |

ममापि पितृभक्तस्य सुलभं तव दर्शनम् ||

किं मया तादृशं पुण्यं कृतं पूर्वं कृपानिधे |

यस्त्वं सुदुर्लभः साक्षात् स्वयमागत्य तिष्ठसि ||

धन्योस्म्यनुगृहीतोस्मि निर्व्याजकृपया तव |

विस्मृतां संभ्रमेणैव पूजां स्वीकुरु माधव ||

Pundarika said

What a surprise! You, the Supreme Being worshipped even by the devas like Brahma are born on this earth as the sone of Vasudeva, in order to protect dharma. Are not You ? Oh! Janardana! I have known You through Narada’s teachings. Even I, a simple one devoted to parents, have got Your darshan. Oh! Ocean of mercy! You are standing in Your original form before me now because of some unknown past merits of mine. Oh! Madhava! I am blessed by Your causeless mercy. I am very fortunate. Please accept the Pooja which I forgot to do so fat due to my excitement.

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 20 - 22

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 20 - 22

श्रीभगवानुवाच

अहं नारदवाक्येन श्रुत्वा ते भक्तिमीदृशीम् |

द्रष्टुमेवागतोस्म्यत्र त्वामेवं पित्रतृवत्सलम् ||

द्वारकापुरनाथोsहं श्रीकृष्ण इति नाम मे |

रुक्मिणीमपि जानीहि मम पत्नीं पतिव्रताम् ||

मम पित्रोरहञ्चापि कर्तुमिच्छामि पूजनम् |

ईदृशीं भक्तिनिष्ठां मे प्रयच्छ पितृवत्सल ||

Shri Bhagavan replied

Knowing your filial love through Narada, I came here to meet you. I am Shri Krishna, the king of Dwaraka. She is My wife Rukmini. Oh, affectionate and dedicated one, endowed with filial love! I too want to attend on My parents with dedication like you. Please give me such Bhakti towards My parents.

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 17 - 19

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 17 - 19

पुण्डरीक उवाच

स्वागतं ते महाभाग पाद्यं स्वीकुरु मे प्रभो |

पितृभक्तस्य मे देव कालक्षेपं क्षमस्व भोः ||

को भवानिह संप्राप्तः सह पत्न्याsनुकूलया |

मया कृतानां तपसां त्वां मन्ये फलमेव हि ||

किं कर्तव्यं मया स्वामिन् दीनेन ब्राह्मणेन च |

राजाधिराजसेव्यस्य सर्वलोलेक्ष्वरस्य ते ||

Pundarika said

Oh! Lord! You are welcome. Please accept this feet-wash. I made you wait as I had to attend on my parents. Please excuse me for the delay. You have come with an amicable and good wife. May I know who you are? I think all my meritorious deeds have come to fruition now. You seem to be the Lord of all worlds and worshipped by the emperors too. I am after all a poor brahmana. What can I do for you?

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 13 - 16

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 13 - 16

तं दृष्ट्वा पुण्डरीकाक्षं पितृकैङ्कर्यतत्परः |

क्षणं तिष्ठेति सप्रेम प्रार्थामास संभ्रमात् ||

भगवान् वासुदेवक्ष्च कटिन्यस्तकराम्बुजः |

प्रतीक्षते पुण्डरीकं पितृपूजनतत्परम् ||

ब्रह्मरुद्रादयो देवा लोकपालास्तथा नृपाः |

यस्यैवाज्ञां प्रतीक्षन्ते सोऽयं भक्तान् प्रतीक्षते ||

पुण्डरीकोपि धर्मात्मा पितृपूजां यथाविधि |

समाप्य स्वागतं प्राह कृष्णस्य द्वारकापतेः ||

Even after looking at the lotus-eyed Bhagavn, Pundarika was engrossed in serving his parents. With excitement and affection, Pundarika asked Him to wait for some time. With His hands on His hips, Shri Bhagavan, Shri Vasudeva, was waiting for Pundarika who was serving his parents. Shri Bhagavan whose orders are awaited and immediately obeyed even by kings and devas like Brahma and Rudra, who protect the world, was waiting for His bhakta. The righteous Pundarika systematically finished attending on his parents and then welcomed Shri Krishna, the king of Dwaraka.

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 11 - 12

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 11 - 12

कदाचित्पुण्डरीकस्य पितृभक्तिमिमां पराम् |

आकर्ण्य नारदामुखाद् द्वारकापतिरच्युतः ||

पुण्डरीकं द्रष्टुकामो रुक्मिण्या सह माधवः |

ब्रह्मादिसुरसेव्यापि पण्डरीपुरमाययौ ||

Once, Shri Bhagavan, the Lord of Dwaraka, who is difficult to be attained even by the devas like Brahma, came to know of Pundarika’s filial love through Narada. He arrived at Pandaripuram along with Devi Rukmini, to meet him

Vaishnava Samhita. Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 6 - 10

Pundarika Charitam Vol III Book VIII Chp 1 Shlokas 6 - 10

चन्द्रभागानदीतीरे पुण्डरीक इति श्रुतः |

कक्ष्चिदासीद् द्विजश्रेष्ठो धर्मानुष्ठानतत्परः ||

दरिद्रोपि कुटुम्बं स्वमुञ्चवृत्या समाचरन् |

पूजयामास पितरौ श्रद्धाभक्तिसमन्वितः ||

वृद्धौ तौ पितरौ नित्यं पत्न्या सह महामनाः |

विविधैरुपचारैक्ष्च पूजयामास सादरम् ||

अनन्यनिष्ठया विप्रः पितरौ पूजयन् सदा |

देवमन्यं न सस्मार पुण्डरीको दृढव्रतः ||

ताडितस्तर्जितो वापि पितृभ्यां निन्दितोपि च |

पुत्रोत्तमः पुण्डरीको नैवोपेक्षां चकार ह ||

A brahmana called Pundarika, a strict adherent of dharma, lived on the bank of the river Chandrabhaga. He was very poor and led his life with the help of unchavritti. Yet he took care of his parents with great love and dedication. Along with his wife, that kind hearted man took care of his parents and daily worshipped them, offering all that they needed. Pundarika, with a firm mind, never paid attention to any other deity. He was always engaged in attending to his parents. The good, loving son Pundarika did not hate his parents even when he was beaten, scolded or ridiculed by then