Sanskrit Allied 7 / 8
Shiksha-Traya
Written by
P.P. Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati Tembe Svami Maharaja
We will learn …
1. Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati Svami Maharaja- Life, Date and works
2. Kumara Shiksha
3. Yuva Shiksha
4. Vriddha Shiksha
Unit 1 – Life, Date, Work and theory of Vasudevananda Sarasvati
Chapter no. 1
India is a land of saints. In the unbroken line of various sects and religions, in
their stand out some outstanding persons who, by their purity, courage and
billions faith in God, shine like bright stars that guide the destiny of millions who
trust in them. The ways of saints are manifold and their outward behaviour is
different, bordering to inscrutable. Some adopt devotion (Bhakti Marga), some
Raja Yoga(pure Yoga), Some serve the people; others may resort to one or a
mixture of various paths.
Their teachings depend upon the circumstances in which they are born and the
period or age in which they live. Yes, surprisingly enough there is a basic unity
and similarity in the teachings of the saints and no contradiction. In their
teachings there is no compromise as far as the basic principles of - devotion to
God, purity of mind and body, service to humanity at large and the like. One
such Saint, a Saint par excellence worshipped by thousands in India is Shri
Vasudevananda Sarasvati Svami. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Dattatreya
and a follower of Sanatana Dharma based on Vedas and the Upanisads.
Before we begin his life, it is necessary to know about this Deity of Dattatrya but
or Guru Datta, and the Datta sect or Sampradaya. The Deity of the Dattatreya is
not very well known all over the India as more popular Deity is of Hindustan. He
is a combination of the trinity of Hinduism- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Hence,
in a sense he is more important than individual Gods.
In addition, he represents a combination of Raja Yoga. What makes him still
more mystic and lively is that he is universal and immortal Avatara or incarnation
of God ever present to help devotees. His worship is more popular in
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat state. For reasons
engulfed in ancient history he is not so very well known to other states of India.
Hence, the necessity to explain about his life and his devotees through the
medium of English language. This is the purpose of this small work. We believe
that a time has now come and when even the people of this small other
countries should know about Lord Dattatreya and his sect.
This book is mainly written for non-Marathi speaking people in India and for
people in other countries that is the reason why along with the life and teachings
of Sri Vasudevananda Sarasvati a gist of Hindu religious thoughts, the reasoning
behind the miracles and two main paths recommended for common man by Shri
Vasudevananda Sarasvati i.e. Namasmarana and Navavidhabhakti are described
(in this publication) so that all a reader fully grasp the subject.
The life of Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati brings out the following important
points:
a. That a man should perform his prescribed duties in order to cleanse
himself and help the society by doing once only the mind becomes pure.
b. That particularly real (not merely by birth) Brahmins have a great
responsibility towards the nation and humanity which calls for utmost
sacrifice on their patt. Here the Brahman is not used merely to designate
the caste but men of your character and learning.
c. That there are unlimited powers in Mantras if used by trained people.
d. That the real Saints go beyond religion and caste. Though a staunch
orthodox, Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati helped not only Hindus but also
Muslims and Pharsis.
e. That astrology is also a science.
f. That supernatural beings such as the ghost, Pishachyas, Brahmarakshas
etc. exist in the world. They are invisible but they affect the lives of many
people. There is ample proof to believe that such afflictions can be cured by
the Saints. Not every such affliction is due to them. There may be normal
psychological diseases curable by modern medicines. people flock to the
Saints like Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati seeking cure from several
afflictions. We will hear in after call him by more homely term as Maharaj
and or Swamiji or term applied to Yogis.
The special feature of Maharaj's lifestyle is its completeness. Some Saints
achieve Godhood by mere devotion. There have been such Saints in foreign
countries also. Some follow one or more ways whereas the Maharaj followed
during his lifetime all the four main paths described in the shastras and in
each of them he succeeded in a remarkable way. That itself is enough to
prove his greatness amongst the Saints.
1. He was a bhakta or devotee of Lord Dattatreya.
2. He prescribed what he preached; he was a Karmayogi.
3. He was adept in Raj yoga, he mastered Ashtanga yoga.
4. He was well versed in Gnana yoga.
His writing now published in twelve volumes amply proves this. These are in
Sanskrit and Marathi.
B. knowing full well that the paths of yoga, Gnana and Karma are rather difficult
for common man is strongly recommended to them the path of Bhakti Yoga. He
wrote Datta mahatma for this purpose. He explained Navavidha Bhakti (nine
modes of devotion) in it. He also emphasized the importance of namasmaran
(reputation of names and names of God) and wrote many devotional songs.
He was a great Karmayogi. He never asks anything for himself but give
everything to others. He worked only for the welfare of the society without any
attachment even when he achieved the highest goal in human life.
C. He led a life of a true sanyasi with no property. No family attachment, thriving
on meager food obtained by Madhukari (religious alms or begging of a limited
quantity of food from three households only). Performing daily worship and
routine in the most adverse condition, walking barefooted and throughout
India. Rarely do we find such a Sanyasin these days. In this respect he could well
be compared with Shri Adi Shankaracharya and Shri Narasimha Sarasvati.
D. Though he was a Rajyogi, he used his miraculous powers only for the good of
the others and never for himself. Even this power or siddhi used very cautiously
and sparingly
E. His knowledge of Sanskrit was supreme as evidenced by his writings. Though
a lover of Sanskrit, he equally loved Marathi, his mother tongue and the
common man's language. He was a great poet and wrote many poems and
Stotras.
His Karuna Tri padi(three songs of piety) written in Marathi are now sung with
devotion every day at most of the important places of worship of Dattatreya.
F. He was adept in Mantra Shastra and helped many in getting rid of afflictions
by bed so supernatural forces and powers such as ghosts, Brahmarakshas and
pishachyas etc.
G. He had acquired mastery over astrology. In short, he was Gyani bhakta, a
devotee who has thoroughly understood the philosophy. Such devotees are
favourites of God.
“Out of devotees, the greatest one is he who single-mindedly worships me and
one who has mastered philosophy. I love a philosopher devotee and he also
loves me.” (Gita)
It is said that Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati was such a philosopher devotee and
that his idol of Dattatreya actually used to speak with him.
How does the modern educated man in India or abroad test any religion leader
or a Saint? He does not like to believe blindly so that one is not misled. It is also
necessary that we should with an open mind but with respect test a Guru or a
sage.
There are three main factors on which a religious leader is usually tested.
They are:/
A. His teachings:
Do the tally with the main teachings of the Vedas, Upanishada, Gita, Quran,
Bible, Guru-Granth Sahib, Satyarth Prakash the Guru Charitra or any other
standard religious and holy book.
B. Action of the Saints:
Are they in consonance with his teachings? has he practiced and followed what
he has preached? is he mere learned Pandit or a Professor or is he a man
endowed with realisation and true knowledge? Is his action moral, honest and
sincere?
C. The effects of his teaching:
Have the effects of his teachings been good for the humanity at large? Has he
raised the Satvik Vritti, Bhava? Has it produced love, peace and happiness
amongst the men irrespective of caste, creed, nation or religion?
The life and teachings of Shri Vasudevanand Sarasvati stands well, the above
three tests -
(i) His teachings are in agreements with what has been said in the Vedas,
Upadadas, or Gita and are not against any other religion, sects or people.
(ii) He practiced what he preached.
(iii) The effect of his teachings and actions has been to give peace, happiness
and love to thousands of people of all creeds, castes and religions.
Due credit should be given to him for rejuvenating the Datta Sampradaya by his
valuable writing, actions, and by his research in places sacred to Datta
Sampradaya. he with his astounding capacity put his in indelible stamp on Datta
Sampradaya.
In this age when we are talking of the national integration and unity, his
teachings hold a premise for us all. In the Datta Sampradaya strict religious
discipline is necessary. Probably this has knowingly or unknowingly generated a
little bit of misunderstanding. Why should we have any objection, if individuals
follow the rules and religion of prescribed discipline so long as they are not
contrary to moral and social behaviour. Because of a strict discipline many times,
people misunderstand a sect or a sage. But when we are enquiring deep into
their philosophy and mind, we find in them kindness and pity. A strict
disciplinarian sage like Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati may look dogmatic,
orthodox and harsh to some, who do not care to enquire deeply enough and
understand him.
Even in the name of secular India in the name of true national integration and
much wanted communal harmony, a time has been finally come to have courage
and conviction and say boldly and plainly that there is nothing wrong to be in a
real religious disciplinarian. In carrying out a chemical experiment in a laboratory
if a scientist says that he will not care to follow the prescribed procedure, he is
definitely in for trouble. So also, in the case of Yoga, Mantra, shastra and reading
of holy book etc. In fact, these experiments are most difficult as we deal with
mind and extremely difficult operates as well as row material!!
Unnecessary orthodox discrimination in men and women, we must condemn
but if a person wants to follow his religion, his Yoga, his Mantra, Tantra etc, the
way he likes, he allowed to follow it., so long he does not harm others. No
amount of pressure can dissuade him from not following his path. In fact, we
should encourage such men as they are beneficial to the public the nation at
large. Men like Shri Vasudevananda Sarasvati are not produced overnight. They
are product of endurance and sacrifice of many men.
The path chosen by them is extremely difficult. One in a million can succeed in
this path, but thank god that at least in our country, India one in a billion like
him is born.
we are indeed very fortunate. Let society, non-believers and the young
generation in India ponder on it. And may Lord bring them light.
This small book is written or rather compiled and translated with the idea that
the young English knowing generation, grasps, the brief at least, what the true
Hindu religion is, what is Datta Sampradaya, (Sect), and the life of one Saint who
lived the religion in his own life time. The incarnation of Dattatreya still exists.
May we surrender to him so that our secular nation exists honourably and
becomes prosperous and continuous to cherish its greatest wealth the
knowledge of true Yoga and philosophy.
