Post by Amritha Varshini on Feb 3, 2014 19:00:13 GMT 5.5
Tatwa Bodham - Part 1
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
TATWA refers to the Principle of Existence. BODHAM means dawn of knowledge - being conscious of. Thus, Tatwa Bodham means dawn of the knowledge about the Existence principle.
In our scriptures the word TAT refers to BRAHMAM, which is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent - all Knowledge, ever powerful and everywhere present, which has no Roopa (shape or form) or Naama (name). This is also called SATHYAM (Truth), SELF. TATWA comes from the root TATWAM, meaning TAT + TWAM. You are That, as our Vedas proclaim.
While explaining principles, we have to express them in some words, to understand them. Our scriptures have found these words to explain, though TAT has no name. Thus TAT is ever present, i.e. permanent and it has no beginning or end. That is the only Truth. Therefore, it is called Existence. This is the beginning of the lessons a beginner in Vedanta studies should have. Aadhi Sankara Bhagawat Paadaal has written this great treatise. This confirms the principle of 'ADWAITA"(There is no second but only One Existence). Swamy Chinmayanandaji has given pravachanam on this topic very lucidly.
Aadhi Sankarachaarya has declared "Brahma Sathyam Jagat Mithya". This means, Brahmam alone is True and the world is untrue. One may question as to whether what we see, smell, move around, exist etc. is not in the world, which is seen by us. If it is untrue, we can not see or feel or act upon. This is from the point of view of a normal Jeevaatma. When you have the knowledge of the Supreme Brahman, you will come to know that the world of objects is only the reflection of the Brahman in many forms and not real, just as you see a reflection of yourself in the mirror.
You know that what is in the mirror is only your own reflection, because you are intelligent and the reflection depends upon the shape and quality of the medium (mirror). This is the materialistic knowledge and is caused by the Maaya (Ignorance of the Reality) due to which we own our actions and suffer our reactions. To know TAT you must have spiritual knowledge and spiritual eye. That is why Bhagawan Krishna has given to Arjuna Divya Chakshush (Divine eye) to see his Vishwa Roopam, because the Brahma Swaroopam cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Similarly with the materialistic brain we cannot understand or know the great principle "TAT" (Existence). For this we must develop a spiritual intelligence through study of Sastraas, the beginning lesson for the same being TATWA BODHAM of Aadhi Sankara Bhagawat Paadaal. . This is considered as the doorstep to go into the vast knowledge of Sastraas.
It is my endeavor to interpret it in the way I have understood, from what I have heard and grasped from my reading. I am trying to share my understanding with the readers. I am basing my write-up on the lectures of Sri Chinmayanandaji on this subject and translated in Tamizh by Swamini Sumedhaanandha, Adayar, Chennai. Any mistakes in interpretation or presentation may please be excused. May the Acharyaas bless us all in knowing this.
GURUVANDHANAM
Vaasudhevendhra Yogeendram Nathvaa Gnaanapradham Gurum
MumukshooNaam HithaarThaaya Thathva BhodhoPhi Dheeyathe
Prostrating before the Guru (the bestower of Gnana) and who is the head of all Devaas , the heads of Vasus (the controllers of the various periods or Kaalams) and who is also the head of all Yogis, this Tatwa Bodham (knowledge of TAT) is being given for the benefit of the Mumukshus (those who are keen to get relief from the Bondage).
Our elders used to pray to their Ishta Dhaivam before commencing any work praying for the successful completion of the work. Based on this practice, Sri Sankara has prayed to Vaasudhevan (Krushnan) as his Guru before commencing a commentary on this subject.
The son of Vasudheva is Vaasudhevan (Krishnan), who has given the song celestial(Bhagawat Geetha) through Arjuna, is considered as the Parama Guru here and Sri Sankarachaarya has prayed to him before giving this cream TATWA BODHAM.
SYNOPSIS:
Tatwa Bodham deals with the following topics:
1. Saadhana Chathushtayam
2. Tathva Vivekam
3. Sareera Thrayam
4. Avasthaa Thrayam
5. Pancha Kosaas
6. Jagat Shrushti Kramam
7. Easwara and Upa Devataas
8. Jeeva and Eswara
9. Jeevan Mukthan
10. Karmam
11. Relief from Bondage (Moksham)
We will discuss each one of them in the forthcoming issues as a series.
HARI OM
Article by Sri P.K. Venkatachalam (achalam38@gmail.com)[/div]