SWAMI MHANE

2010-07-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

2010-07-30T03:51:00.001-07:00

2010-07-30T03:50:00.000-07:00

स्वामी म्हणे...

2010-04-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

2010-03-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

2010-02-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

2010-01-30T23:04:00.000-08:00

2010-01-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

2009-12-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

SWAMI MHANE.

BE A GENTLEMAN, AND GOD IS YOURS FOR SURE !!

" Looking at Thy Feet, playing with Thy Poetry, living in Thy Kingdom, O Mother, I am happy.

Writing through Thy Hand, thinking through Thy mind, Feeling through Thy Heart O Mother, I am free!

Nourished by the nectar of Thy Knowledge, clad in the robe of Thy Love,

Before Thee I dance, O Mother, in the Temple of Eternity." (Amritdhara-P-66-67)

The couplets quoted above are from "Amritdhara" a compilation of 162 verses in SAKI meter, by Swami Swaroopanand of Pawas (Ratnagiri) written in his awakened state, after he experienced, dark night of the soul, on the intervening night of 20/21 July 1934,

("Shukla paksha bhrugu vasar ratrau Ashadhinchi Navami, Attharashe Chappan Shakabdi mrutu pawalo amhi.")(Amritdhara P-18, Saki-27), He proverbially, shed the shackles of the mortal body, getting rid off the attachments and the ego. Reading between the lines, nay, indicates state of his mind. The state, that opened him, the timeless flow of Divine Consciousness, the Temple of Eternity, shattering his total ego system, unfolding to him the deepest understanding of true self; the gift of illumination in higher consciousness. He was no more operating of his own volition but was acting at the will of Mother Goddess. No wonder then, that, he has dedicated this compilation to the Mother Goddess.

That fateful night marked end of persona of Ramachandra Vishnu Godbole, his worldly ties, mundane conditioning, the entire 'Godbole' identity. What remained was his gross body, in the garb of Swami Swaroopanand. The experience was a tug of war between two worlds. He went through the turmoil & torment and came out winner. It was a process of unlearning to learning, unknowing to knowledge, journey from darkness to the light, total transition, a new orientation; metamorphosis of sort.

The concept of dark night of the soul, is found in Oriental, as well as in Western philosophical literature. Dr. R.D.(Gurudev) Ranade has mentioned about it in two of his books.(Pathway to God- Hindi Literature, P-181 & Mysticism In Maharashtra-preface pages-17-18). According to him almost all enlightened souls in different ages and different parts of Eastern/Western world experienced it in one form or the other. Gurudev, however, categorically mentions exception of Saint Dnyaneshwar to any such experience. This fortifies the common belief, that, Saint Dnyaneshwar was the Incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and hence we say "Dnyanesho Bhagwan Vishnu".

For next almost 12 years, Swamijee walked the walk before he talked. Swamijee spent all these years in deep meditation, contemplating on the philosophy of "Geeta" and Saint Dnyaneshwar's magnum opus, called "Bhawarth-Deepika"( Treatise on Geeta), popularly known as "Dnyaneshwari". When Swamijee got intuition to spread the message contained therein, he wrote "Bhawartha-Geeta". It is "Geeta", in lyrical form, in present day simple Marathi, in Saki meter and has "Dnyaneshwari" influence. His language is very simple and choice of words so apt that it grips the mind of the reader leaving no doubt about the message it conveys. His words carry weight and sound authentic as he guides us on the path which he followed. The reader gets dual benefit as he gathers the gist of "Geeta" as well as "Dnyaneshwari" by reading "Bhawarthgeeta"

I have reproduced, 12th and 2nd Chapters from "Bhawarthgeeta", in the month of July and August respectively, under the same blog. In his commentary on stanza 8 of 12th Chapter, Swamijee says, " It is the ego of a person, which, with the help of his mind and intellect, put him through the cycle of birth and death showing him the mirage of life. It dissolves automatically, in the same way as the organs render useless after death, should he surrender me( the Almighty) with heart & soul. ( Sakees 26 & 27).

However, pride should not be mistaken for ego. In US, everyone, right from a top professional/ politician to one who may be flipping burgers takes pride in whatever he does. I feel sincerity of purpose and good workmanship are result of taking pride in whatever one does. This also, seems to be a major factor, for the phenomenal and mesmerizing progress made by US in almost all fields, be it technological, or in the field of construction, science, medical education/research, surface communications, atomic/nuclear power. Empire State, Washington Monument, network of underground metros/subways, are some of the few glaringly spectacular examples of these.

However, it must be remembered, that material development is not everything. Whatever be your achievements or acquisitions, at the end of the day, it is all aimed to gain happiness in life. There is no gainsaying the fact, that, happiness does depend on how well placed/comfortable a person is and the quality of life he/she enjoys. A person like weaver saint Kabeer or his peers only can say, "Saain utana deejiye jisme kutumb samay, main bhi bhukha na rahun, sadh bhi bhukha na jaya". Which means, " Oh Lord, that much is good enough, in which the family can survive and the guest does not return hungry". Of course one has to draw own line to decide, as to how much is enough. Times have changed the picture. Now every other person is possessed with megalomania and narcissist tendencies. It is a rats race of one up man ship. With innumerable and variety of items of comfort and luxury, happiness is scarcely to be seen and there is no let up in tension and stress which on the contrary, is mounting.

Words of Socrates, where he says " Contentment is natural wealth and luxury an artificial poverty", therefore, sound Universally relevant at all times . Necessity and luxury, no doubt are relative terms. What may be a luxury for one may be a necessity for the other. Everyone will, however agree, that, happiness is a state of mind.

Here I would like to quote a story from one of the many books,(Ninety nine, i suppose) of a great French philosopher Voltaire, from his book 'Romances';

He tells a story of, " The good Brahmin", who says, " I wish I had never been born! ". "Why so ?" said I. "Because ", he replied, "I have been studying these forty years, and I find that it has been so much time lost ..... I believe that I am composed of matter, but I have never been able to satisfy myself what it is that produces thought. I am even ignorant whether my understanding is a simple faculty like that of walking or digesting, or if I think with my head in the same manner as I take hold of a thing with my hands.... . I talk a great deal, and when I have done speaking I remain confounded and ashamed of what I have said." The same day I had a conversation with an old woman, his neighbor. I asked her if she had ever been unhappy for not understanding how her soul was made? She did not even comprehend my question. She had not , for the briefest moment in her life had a thought about these subjects with which the good brahmin had so tormented himself. She believed in the bottom of her heart in the metamorphosis of Vishnu and provided she could get some of the sacred water of the Ganges in which to make her ablutions, she thought herself the happiest of women. Struck with the happiness of this poor creature, I returned to my philosopher whom I thus addressed :

- " Are you not ashamed to be thus miserable when, not fifty yards from you, there is an old automaton who thinks of nothing and lives contented?". " You are right," he replied, " I have said to myself a thousand times that I should be happy if I were but as ignorant as my old neighbor; and yet it is happiness which i do not desire."

This reply of the brahmin made a greater impression on me than anything that had passed;Unquote, says Voltaire in the end.
The crux of the story is, that, we often keep brooding over unnecessary things which we can be avoided. If we learn to live here & now we will be far more happier. Most of the times we spend thinking about the past with a hind sight thinking how wonderful it would have been had we acted in a different manner or worrying about the future, fully knowing that we are not Masters of the future. With slight change in one of the maxims I would say; past is a history, future is a mystery, this moment is a gift from the God, that is why we call it PRESENT. We should learn to enjoy the present,the wonderful PRESENT from the Almighty. Talking in present day terms, "Don't worry,be happy" song, written by Bobby Mcferrin, which won 1989 Grammy Awards for the best song of that year is the secret of happy life. Happiness is the key to longer life.

Bottom line of Swamijee's teaching lies in what he often used to say, " Spiritualism does not per se shower happiness, it teaches you the art of remaining happy under any circumstances/situaion."
This is the art of living, nay, ART OF HAPPY LIVING.

It is no doubt essential, that, one must plan, should be ambitious, and aim to be at the top in whatever he does, but while doing so he must not keep brooding over the fruit. In his commentary on the 10th Stanza of Chapter 12 from B. Geeta, Swamijee says, " Perform all your duties in the same way, as the water, which quietly follows the course marked by the gardener". What it conveys is the feeling of you being the doer (THE EGO) has to be eliminated. Whatever we see, from microscopic to microcosmic is all manifestation of that all pervasive cosmic energy. Our existence, is dependent on the will of that unknown controller. We are alive till we breathe. We should therefore, gratefully remember the Almighty, at each fresh breath, for his grace. This is all what is meditation about. How we remember HIM is immaterial, what is important is constant awareness of that total ( Universal ) consciousness (Vishwachaitanya) and HE being the doer. What name we give to that SUPER POWER and how we recognize it,is immaterial.

In his commentary on stanza 11 of chapter 12 of B.Geeta, Swamijee says, " All the ways, for attaining self realization aim at eliminating ego, which will automatically make one aware of the all pervasive/omnipotent." It is a theosophic journey from me, my, mine... to.. thee, thy thine. One has to come out of the cocoon of one's egocentric attitude and widen his perspective. Life is too short for hatred, jealousy, anger or animosity, therefore fill it with love, love for all beings, and earlier the better.

In one of his Sakis (stanza) in " Amritdhara " Swamijee says:-
( Suhasya wadan, prasanna darshan, nirmal antashkaran, mita madhu bhashan, shuddha mana tathta, sadaiwa satyacharan,
ewam shadwidh sajjan lakshan, angi banata poorna hoto vasha paramesh wahato jagadambechi aan.)

meaning

" Keep smiling , be cheerful, have clean mind & clear heart,
follow the path of truth & talk sweet & short,
Imbibe these six gentlemanly virtues,
And Almighty is yours Swami swears.

2009-11-29T03:37:00.000-08:00

“SWAMI MHANE……….”

AMRUTANUBHAV.

(EXPERIENCE ECSTATIC.)

Sant Dnyāneshwar (1275-1296).

I have a hunch that, Sant Niwrattinath must have been extremely happy and highly impressed by great poetical talent, deep philosophical insight and spellbinding oratory of his whiz kid sibling, his disciple Sant Dnyaneshwar, during latter’s discourses on “Shrimadbhagawadgeeta”.

Small wonder then, that, this must have made Sant Niwrattinath, sometime after year 1290, to prompt Sant Dnyaneshwar, to write about latter’s experience of resonance/union, with God/Almighty/ cosmic consciousness. He very well knew that, Sant Dnyaneshwar is a perfect vehicle/medium for such a herculean task, having walked the talk.

There is no doubt that, “Dnyaneshwari” is a masterpiece of Marathi literature. However, Sant Dnyaneshwar had to restrict his flight of imagination within the framework of “Geeta”. As against this, “Amrutanubhav”, is a unique narrative, of his own experience, of oneness with the FORMLESS, the ABSOLUTE. King of semantics, the literature lord, Sant Dnyaneshwar, with his unlimited vocabulary, therefore, takes the reader on a completely different plane, in "Amrutanubhav". Here we must remember that FORMLESS does not mean without a form. It means the all pervasive/ omnipresent, which is not bound by any particular form or all forms put together.

Compared to “Dnyaneshwari”, “Amrutanubhav”, is much smaller in volume. It has 806 stanzas (Ovis) in 10 Chapters, as against 18 Chapters and 9033 stanzas, (Ovis) of “Dnyaneshwari”. However, it is very rich in its content.

Sant Tukaram, in one of his “Abhangs”, has said, that, saints wealth is gems of words and so is their weaponry. Master of vocabulary, Sant Dnyaneshwar’s entire literature is a glaring example of first part of Sant Tukaram’s Abhang, it is strewn with gems of his words. Surprisingly, there is no trace of criticism, offensive/bad words, or derogatory remarks, anywhere in his literature, in spite of the fact, that, he and his siblings were greatly humiliated, looked down upon and disdained by the society being the children of a man who, before their birth had accepted the path of renunciation (embraced SANYASA).

Truly speaking, there can be no comparison, between his different works. The central theme of his elucidation throughout his writing remains focused on “Adwaita”/ monism. However, I personally feel, “Amrutanubhav” tops the list of his major works, as it is a rendering of his heart without straightjacket of any framework. Further, coming from the bottom of his heart it is captivating. Touching the right cord it conquers/rules, readers hearts.

Most of the scriptural writings are in the dialogue form. All three major works of Sant Dnyaneshwar,are no different . " Dnyaneshwari", is a dialogue with the audience, and "Changdev Pasashti" a dialogue with a Yogi which is in the form of a letter.

"Amrutanubhav", however, is a dialogue with self. It is a kind of a soliloquy/monologue. For any conversation/dialogue minimum two individuals are required, whereas here there is none else. It is the Godhead doing loud thinking through Sant Dnyaneshwar for the benefit of the mankind, the humanity as a whole.

2009-10-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

“SwamiMhane….”.

Bhavarthadeepika or Dnyaneshwari,

by Sant Dnyāneshwar (1275-1296).

Maharashtra can very rightly be described as a heartland in the spiritual map of India, being the area which has produced a large number of saints. Sant Dnyāneshwar happens to be the crowning glory of them all.

Feeling, that, he has accomplished the ordained task of his manifestation, he adapted the path of Yogic salvation (Samadhi), at an early age of 21 yrs of his own volition. No wonder therefore, that, though youngest amongst the saints, to have concluded his earthly mission, he is popularly known as “Maulee”, (Mother).

Greatest of the saint poets so far, his contribution to the Marathi literature is immense and unparallel. Marathi has become richer by his poetic literature.

Major three among these are,(1) “Bhavarthadeepika or Dnyaneshwari”

(2)Amritanubhav, and (3) “Changdev-Pasashti”. These are considered to be three foundation stones of poetic literature by saints, just as “ Bhagawad Geeta”, “Upanishads”and “Brahmasutras”, are known as three foundation stones of Vedic Philosophical literature.

He propounded his vision of “Adwait, as Chidvilasawad” of the “Upanishadic/ Vedic” theory of monism through all his above mentioned major works. According to Sant Dnyaneshwar every living being as well as non living thing that is seen is the manifestation of one reality.

Modern science also supports this view of a monist world, that, there is only one substance that makes the reality. The matter and energy are interchangeable; even the apparently lifeless matter also has consciousness. The consciousness in such lifeless matter may be of very low level but there is nothing that does not have consciousness and therefore up gradation to higher level is possible. This is exactly what the ‘Adwait (monism)’ philosophy of ancient Indian scriptures has explained. Now with the advent of quantum physics, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, particle wave duality, it has been proved that the smallest particle of whatever exists may be a particle or wave with immense potentiality of manifesting into a variety of forms. The observer’s role is also important in what manifests before him. This also conforms to ancient Indian concept that all that is seen undergoes constant change and nothing is perpetual, except the basic reality/genesis. The scientists too are busy working on unified field theory.

Sant Dnyaneshwar was the first noteworthy proponent of Bhagawat sampradaya, a sect of bhakti (devotional worship) tradition in Hinduism. He composed Bhavarthadeepika popularly known as Dnyaneshwari, to explain sacred knowledge of the holy book Bhagavad Gita to the masses. He brought great knowledge of Vedas,Upanishads,Shastras and Bhagvadgita from Sanskrit in his mother tongue Marathi, thereby opening the treasures of the philosophical knowledge of “Geeta” to common people who knew Marathi but did not understand Sanskrit well. He made the recondite subject simple, through everyday examples and common knowledge metaphors, and similes’.

I would like to share with readers some salient points about this magnificent piece of literature by Sant Dnyaneshwar which astonish me, when i attempt to visualise, situation then obtaining.

This magnum opus has been an extempore poetic narration/discourse on “Bhagawad Geeta” in ‘Ovi’ form by Sant Dyaneshwar.

Discourses were made in Mohiniraj temple of Shriskhetra Newase, in Maharashtra.

Narration was complete sometime in the year 1290. Sant Dnyaneshwar at that time was just 15years of age. With no formal schooling, the entire family being socially outcast, his knowledge of Hindu scriptures, command over Sanskrit as well as Marathi, and knowledge of worldly/mundane affairs is astounding, and make reader believe the common belief that he was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Everyone in the audience must have been presumably elder to him, except may be two of his younger siblings who must have been in the audience.

The entire composition has been penned down by a person named Sachhidanand Baba. ( As per hear-say/myth after being declared dead, he was brought to life by Sant Dnyaneshwar.)

This treatise on “Geeta” is considered the best in all the commentaries available on "Geeta".

It has been translated in at least 13 different languages including two or three foreign languages.

Sant Dnyaneshwar has done commentary on each of the 700 verses of “Geeta” besides his prelude to thirteen out of eighteen chapters. (There is no prelude to Chapters- 2,3,5,7,8.)

There are total of 9033 verses/stanzas in “Ovi” metre, in Dnyaneshwari. Considering this fact one can well imagine the period it must have taken to complete the narration/discourse.

A period of 719 years has passed since this composition came into being but till date it has not lost its charm one bit rather it is increasing. With each passing year, the number of pilgrims ( Warkarees ) going from Alandi to Pandharpur is increasing and almost all worship Dnyanadev as well as his Dnyaneshwari. Here i am reminded of words of renowned English poet T S Eliot where he says, "Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood". These words hold good for Dnyaneshwari because Sant Dnyaneshwar has poured his heart into this literary offering hence it touches and fills the heart of the readers.

Innumerable books have been written/published on different aspects of Dnyaneshwari and the flow still continues. While writing about this book, Acharya Vinoba Bhave has written, that, Marathi literature minus Dnyaneshwari= Zero. Sant Namdev who was a staunch devotee of VITHHAL/PANDURANG was a contemporary of Sant Dnyaneshwar and had accompanied him in his pilgrim of North India. He has written a great deal about Sant Dnyaneshwar including the incident of Sant Dnyaneshwar's live Samadhi. He has written that Dnyaneshwari is most valuable piece of literature and one should experience at least one stanza ("Ovi") from it in his/her life time.

The book is not famous by its original name Bhavarthadeepika but is popular as Dnyaneshwari.

Sant Dnyaneshwar gives the credit for this literary work to his Sadguru his own elder brother Sant Niwrattinath and as well as to the audience.

His narration is like an astute cinema director, his words so meaningful and apt that the scene of war at Kurukshetra between Kauravas & Pandavas is recreated in front of readers eyes in such a way, as if one is witnessing a telecast. The poetic strength of this epic is so hypnotising and magnetic that the reader is hooked with rapt attention forgetting that he is learning philosophy of life which is timeless and universal. His unparalleled poetic skill to couch and capsule crux of Vedic/Upanishadic scriptures while conveying/transmitting to his readers through his writing immortalise him and his works.

His definition of non violence is action based. In one of the verses of "Dnyaneshwari", he says, all our actions be it physical,verbal or mental when done resulting in happiness to the world is what is non violence.

The fact that his thoughts are GLOBAL is evident from several verses in his work.

The fact that Earth revolves around the Sun was in his knowledge is amply evident from his verse 4/99 of "Dnyaneshwari" . By writing this, I do not desire to anyway denounce, that, it is Italian physicist/astronomer Galileo Galilei known as the father of modern science who first propounded the theory that it is the Earth which moves around the Sun & that he the exponent of heliocentric nature of the solar system between 1615 to 1632. We must remember, that, Sant Dnyaneshwar was not writing/ publishing a paper on physics/astronomy but was giving discourses on "Geeta", and his knowledge about this fact in the year 1290 made out from this verse as well as another verse in "Amrutanubhav", can not be denied/ignored.

This phenomenal literary work reminds me of William Wordsworth’s words, where he says- “Poetry, is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotions recollected in tranquility.”

Each fresh reading of this marvelous piece of literature takes me to new heights of ecstasy.

I am keen that readers of this post/blog experience it. Even if some readers feel interested in Dnyaneshwari after reading this blog, I will feel that i have succeeded in my efforts to pass on this baton of happiness/knowledge to the next generation readers.

If the readers find difficulty in understanding the old Marathi language, they can take help of two volumes of “Abhang Dnyaneshwari” written by my Sadguru Swami Swaroopanandjee.

2009-09-30T05:15:00.001-07:00

“SWAMI MHANE.”

UNDERSTANDING THE REAL SELF.

Swami Swaroopanand followed and preached/professed philosophy of integral non-dualism, of Natha Sampradaya. (Natha Sect).. In this approach the seeker acquires understanding of the reality in its fundamental oneness.

The differences that we observe, are in fact the manifestation of that all pervasive, all inclusive Unity, of the Absolute, in its diversity. In this school of thought, distinctions of ethics, religion, logic and metaphysics are all erased.

In its essence, the Absolute reality is non-conceptual, non-dual, and logically indefinable.

Swamijee conveys the same message through Abhangas (Ballads) Nos- 255 and 124 of collection of his 261 melodious lyrics titled “ Sanjeevani- Gatha”.

He mentions that the seeker gradually progresses in three distinct stages/phases

He narrates, that, as the flame of enlightenment kindles in the heart of the seeker, it makes a person understand that mere bodily existence is not the real self. As a result of many births in human form, with some name that an individual carries/is known by, knowledge of real self becomes obscure and we start distancing ourselves from the absolute. We start believing that we are the doer. Our ego pulls us away from the real self.

Truly speaking, our existence is similar to that of a wave on an ocean. If a wave feels, that, it has its own entity, it is incorrect. Each wave owes its being to the ocean. Wave is, because of the ocean. Our relationship with the omnipresent, the cosmic energy, is as wave is to the ocean.

Every human being, in fact everything that is seen/visible is a vortex/ wave on that ocean of cosmic consciousness.

When this understanding, is firmly embedded, that is the first step on the path of self-realisation. This knowledge removes the illusionary ignorance of distinction of various entities from the mind of such a person, which is otherwise visible to a human eye. That, according to Swamijee, is the second step of the seeker towards self realization. The third and final stage Swamijee says, is when the seeker remains in that state of mind. Such a state Swamijee says, is beyond description.

In stanza No -124 of “ Sanjeewani -Gatha”, Swamijee says, the “REAL SELF” is indescribable. Thy grace is beyond, words might, flight of imagination, reach of logic and hence not perceptible by mind or sensory organs. Swamijee concludes by saying, that, he got direct experience of the grace of that COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS due to the blessings/benevolence of his Sadguru (Master), which even the VEDIC scriptures describe as unending/endless and hence unfathomable.

We too can have similar experience through TM ( Transcendental Meditation) by following the path shown to us by our Sadgru scrupulously, with total faith/ submission provided his blessings/benevolence is showered on us.

2009-08-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

2009-07-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

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2009-06-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

2009-05-24T07:28:00.000-07:00

2009-04-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Swami Mhane

2009-03-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

Swami Mhane

2009-02-27T04:55:00.001-08:00

2009-02-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

2009-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

2008-12-30T03:21:00.000-08:00

swami mhane

2008-11-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

2008-09-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

swami mhane

2008-08-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

swamimhane

2008-07-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

2008-06-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

Swami Mhane 5May 2008

2008-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Swamimhane

2008-04-14T03:33:00.000-07:00

SHREE DNYANESHWARI NITYAPATH
BRIEF MESSAGE OF GEETA THROUGH SELECTED STANZAS FROM DNYANESHWARI
Original Compilation by Swami Swaroopanandjee of Pawas

“Shreemadbhagawadgeeta”, or say “Geeta”, as it is widely called, is known world over and has been translated in many languages. A large number of books have been written on “Geeta”. However, to the best of my knowledge, “Dnyaneshwari”, the treatise on “Geeta”, by Saint Poet Dnyaneshwar in Marathi, is unparalleled in the history. He wrote, nay narrated it for days together, to an audience present in a temple at a place called Newase in the Western Maharashtra, in the presence and at the instance of his Sadguru, who was none else but his own elder brother Saint Niwrattinath, and Satchidanandbaba wrote it as narrated. This was in the year 1290 when he was barely 16 years of age. His treatise has been translated in over 13 Indian languages. It has also been translated in English & French way back in 1954. This kind of popularity, by itself speaks, about the uniqueness of “Dnyaneshwari”. It enchants and enthralls a commoner, a pilgrim, a mystic, a philosopher, a scholar, all alike and leaves an everlasting impression.

Dr. R. D. Ranade alias Gurudeo Ranade Ex Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University, himself, a mystic & exponent of “Geeta”, is all praise for Dnyaneshwari.

Saint Dnyandev’s object while narrating it was to make the message of Geeta written in Sanskrit, intelligible to even a common man at a grass-root level. His success, in his mission, is evident from the fact, that it has reigned on the hearts of majority of Maharashtrians for the past over seven hundred years and popularity of his work is growing with each passing day. New books bringing out fresh facets of his work still keep pouring in the market regularly. It is commonly believed that, Dnyaneshwari contains everything, which is there in the Geeta and much more.

My Sadguru Swami Swaroopnandajee, firmly believed that, Saint Dnyaneshwar and his treatise on Geeta, “ Dnyaneshwari”, is a gift to humanity, a blessing for the mankind as a whole. His verse in veneration of the original work is quite vocal about his deep reverence for the author as well as his work. He selected 108 stanzas at random out of approx. 9033 stanzas from this magnum opus. This compilation, after adding one concluding stanza from Dnyneshwari as an offering in the end, is published as “Dnyaneshwari Nityapath”. It has literally become a ritualistic daily recital amongst thousands of Swamijees devotees & followers besides many others, living up to its name. It is characteristic in many ways.
In that :-
a) These stanzas picked up at random have been arranged in a new sequence, irrespective of the stanza/chapter number.
b) The fresh sequence has been so thoughtfully arranged, that, all the stanzas blend with one another extremely well making it a coherent and comprehensive reading.
c) There are no stanzas from 14th as well as 15th Chapter. It is not that these are any less important, but in his scheme of things for this compilation, he considered these redundant.
d) In his compilation, he has focused on simple ways to practice self evolution by doing your chartered duties selflessly. The selection of stanzas points to this obvious conclusion.
e) Maximum number of stanzas that is 19, are from 9th Chapter, followed by 17 from 2nd, 14 from 3rd, 13 from 18th, 11 from 4th, 8 from 12th, 7from 13th, 6 from 1st, 4 from 6th, two each from 5th, and 7th and, One each from 8th, 10th, 11th,16th & 17th Chapters making a total of 108 stanzas. 109th stanza of offering is from 11th chapter.
f) It is close to my heart, as these stanzas were originally selected by Swamijee for my mother, on her specific request to get peace of mind. This was sometime in the year 1942 when she was disturbed upon demise of a baby daughter born after my birth. As mentioned by her, Swamijee used to explain to her four stanzas a day, continuously for twenty seven days.
g) Few years later, he got the manuscript from my mother and got it published for the benefit of a larger section of the society.

Dnyaneshwari Nityapath can lightly be called philosophical FAST FOOD/CAPSULE. It has brought about transformation in the lives of innumerable readers besides generating interest for Sant Dnyaneshwars original works in their minds. The most eminent amongst them whose name I am keen to mention is late Dr. M. R. Gunye. He was a renowned scientist who has worked in TIFR Bombay, Bhaba Atomic Energy Research Centre, Maxmaster University Canada, and National Atomic Energy Centre Canada. At a difficult juncture in his life he read Swamijee’s compilation which brought him in Swamijee’s contact. This not only gave him a peace of mind but totally changed his course of life to such an extent, that he wrote three books after deep study of Dnyaneshwar’s literature and of Upanishads. He has made specific mention about this fact in his book. These books got Dr. Guney, state level awards and accolades.

‘Amit Anandache Vishwa’, a bird’s eye-view of main ten Upnishads and ‘Vishwacha San’, a treatise on Sant Dnyaneshwar’s ‘Amrutanubhav’ written by him are masterpieces in their own right. He has taken a comprehensive view of the latest developments in the field of science, about the genesis of the WORLD, mystery of existence, and the shift in paradigm in post quantum era and has compared these with the philosophical conclusions of Upanishads and of Sant Dnyaneshwar.

Today all these things are more relevant as there is a paradigm shift due to phenomenal progress is almost all branches of science particularly in post-quantum era. The so called void between Western and Eastern thinking is fast diminishing with the advent of quantum science and IT. The scholars in the field of science and mysticism have realized that these are complimentary to each other.
In this context, the words of the twentieth century’s doyen physicist Albert Einstein prove to be and will remain prophetic- “Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind.”
Now the focus is from knowing to being.

This is exactly, what Sant Dnyaneshwar’s ‘Chidwilasvad’ is all about. According to him, ‘Wholistic Consciousness’ is the ultimate entity in which all the multi-dichotomies are resolved. “Existence and Non-existence”, are the phases of this total consciousness, “Being and Becoming” is one and the same thing. Consciousness has been there before our (so called) birth and will remain there even after our (so called) death. In Wholistic Consciousness, there are no divisions, like birth and death. These are vortexes, in that Holistic Ocean.

Swami Swaroopanand who was an ardent admirer of Sant Dnyaneshwar and staunch follower of his philosophy in his heart, and actions has propagated the same doctrine through his writing. Rather, it has been the central theme of all his writing. He was a living encyclopedia of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s literature.

To the best of my knowledge, no other single writer has translated Sant Dnyaneshwar’s above mentioned three major works in the past. In that sense Swamijee has made a literary hat trick. Each of these books has a distinct philosophical approach/standpoint and is unique in its own way, hence this Herculean task requiring perfect harmony and identical perception with the original author acquires special significance.

Considering Swamijee’s indifferent health and a frail, such colossal focused literary effort would not have been possible without divine grace. I strongly believe that, he was Saint Dnyaneshear incarnate.

The Department of Posts, issued a commemorative five rupee postage stamp and a two rupee first day cover on Swami Swaroopanandjee, in recognition of his services in the welfare of the society, on the eve of his birth centenary, on 23rd Dec. 2003. (Margashirsha Vadya Dwadashi) A history of sorts was created when these were released in the presence of thousands of followers/devotees and two central ministers at the birth place of Swami Swaroopnanand, at Pawas (Dist Ratnagiri, Maharashtra).

I would feel greatly satisfied, even if a small percentage of Marathi and Hindi young readers is attracted to the main source through these efforts.

Madhav Ranade

Swamimhane

2008-04-14T03:22:00.000-07:00

Swami Swaroopanand an apostle of Sant Dnyaneshwar

Early Life : Swami Swaroopanand was born at Pawas, a remote village in Western Maharashtra, on 15 Dec 1903. It is in the vicinity of district headquarters of alphanso-famous Ratnagiri. Located on the banks of river Gautami, it is adorned with panoramic beauty.
Swamijee was born in an ascetic and pious Godbole family. He was named Ramachandra by father Vishnupant and mother Rakhmabai. He was popularly known by his family name Appa for a long time.

He completed his primary education at Ratnagiri and secondary education at Aryan Education Society high school at Mumbai. The atmosphere in the high school being conducive to his interests in Hindu scriptures, he spent lot of time in studying these.
He was greatly influenced by Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and their Nationalist views and movements. At a very young age, he renounced sugar and tea. Thinking that, this was not enough, he gave up his own education and started a school at Pawas in June 1922 while still in his teens.

Initiation In Nathsampradaya : At twenty years of age he was initiated in Nath Sampraday (Sect) by Baba Maharaj Vaidya alias Ganeshnath of Pune. This proved a catalyst to his pursuit besides channelising his spiritual quest. He combined extra-curricular activities of ‘Swawalambanashram’, his school, with local social gatherings to get villagers rid of evil traditions and infuse sprit of patriotism in them. However, due to depleting students strength, Appa had to put full stop to his noble cause, the school, in 1927.

He then moved to Pune, with remaining three students of his school, to help them continue their education. This also gave him an opportunity to pursue his degree, ‘Wangmayvisharad’, from Tilak College, Pune and to be in the company of his Sadguru more often. Pained at seeing his Guru read a soiled copy of handwritten Dnyaneshwari, Swamijee took pains to copy this magnum opus of Sant Dnyneshwar in his own handwriting and offer it to his Guru. Photo print of this relic, now titled as “Swaroop Dnyaneshwari”, is available at a nominal cost. I feel, that, this event was a precursor of what was to follow, with regard to his work in the field of poetic literature in Marathi, by saints.

His joining civil disobedience movement and the jail term that followed disrupted his education once again. However, he took the sentence at Yerawada jail as a blessing in disguise and utilized most of his free time for meditation. In the jail he used to be popularly called “Swami” or “Muni”, by other freedom fighters like S. M. Joshi, Shankar Rao Deo, Raosaheb Patwardhan etc. due to his unrulffled nature and frequent meditation. He got rich mystic experiences while in jail. Poetic version of these in nine stanzas as ‘Navaratnahar’ (a garland of nine gems) made his spiritual teacher extremely happy.

Discerning Appa’s potential, Baba Maharaj named him ‘Swaroopanand’ and ordained him to be the apostle of Nath School, and thus was born the twentieth century benefactor of Natha Sect.
Self Realisation and Contribution to Saint Literature :The night of 21 July 1934 proved to be the dark night of the soul, (before dawn) for Appa. He shed shackles of the mortal form with the manifestation of his potential divinity. Ample evidence of this metamorphosis is found in his first book of lyrical composition written in 1935. (Amritdhara- 27,28,29)
‘Amritdhara’ contains 162 verses in ‘Saki’ version. It is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings of a sage. It is kind of a poetic soliloquy; a first hand account of his evolution to Sainthood. It unfolds the chronology of his transcendence from physical plane to divinity. Although small in size, it is very rich in its contents and poetic value.

Prior to this, to ensure detachment from mundane ties, he bid farewell to the family and family-house and moved to “Anant Niwas”, an abode of Desai family in the same village. He did so at the behest of Annasaheb Desai, whose eldest son Baba Desai was his erstwhile student and by then had become a Doctor and was more of a friend. Swamijee stayed at “ Anant Niwas” from Feb. 1935 till his NIRVANA on15th Aug 1974. For first almost twelve years he used to spend long hours in deep meditation. One day, while contemplating on the state of equanimity, (“Geeta”-2/56), poetic version of this stanza in Marathi, occurred to his mind intuitively. This was the genesis of “Bhawartha Geeta”; Dnyaneshwari based translation of Geeta in ‘Saki’ Formby Swmijee. It is kind of a two-in-onetrnslation; that is, a reader of this book, will find it easy to comprehend Geeta as well as Dnyaneshwari.

During that period, he also wrote many ‘Abhangs’ (Ballads without same refrain line) covering various religious topics. Compilation of 261 of these is published as ‘Sanjeewani Gatha’. Language of these verses, is lucid and composition lyrical. It is a classic example of how philosophical doctrines of recondite nature can be made palatable by using simple language and analogical illustrations (35, 42, 67, 110, 185, 256 etc.) The book also contains Swamijee’s prayers for the audience of the four armed Lord as seen by ‘Dhruva’ in ‘Madhuban’. These are so intense in there expression and he became so restless, (SG 92, 93, 94), that, the supreme being appeared in that form to meet his ardent devotee. The description of witnessing the formless in the form as desired is so graphic (S. G. 95) that, the reader is simply fascinated and floats rapturously on the crest of this extra sensory perception. It also reminds readers of what Sant Dnyandeo has said in his epic (Dnyaneshwari 6-36, 12/223, 224, 225).

Swamijee not merely belonged to the age old Nath Sect, pioneered by Adinath (Lord Shiva), but followed the footsteps of Sant Dnyaneshwar, his ancestor in the sampradaya (school). In that, he made literary hat trick, by rewriting three of Saint Dnyaneshwar’s works considered as ‘Prasthan-trayee’ (foundation) of poetic literature in Marathi by saints. This was certainly the need of the time as well, because seven hundred year old form of Marathi expression of Sant Dnyaneshwar is hardly intelligible even to a large section of Marathi knowing population. ‘Abhang Dnyaneshwari’, ‘Abhang Amritanubhav’ and ‘Abhang Changdev-Pasashtee’ written by Swamijee in present day Marathi in a very simple day to day Marathi language has bridged the time gap. Swamijee’s aim in bringing out these was to resurrect the treasure of this born giant of a philosopher and spread it to the masses. ‘Dnyaneshwari’ in particular, is unparalleled piece of work in Marathi literature and for that matter, may be even in any other language, so far as treatise on “Geeta” is concerned, except may be ‘Shankarbhashya’. The fact, that, over twenty five editions of ‘Abhang Dnyaneshwari’ containing nearly 16,000 stanzas in two volumes have been published/sold is a testimony to the fulfillment of swamijee’s dream.

Sainthood and Divine Grace : To the best of my knowledge no one single saint/writer has done this feat of translating all the three books in the past. Such a work acquires special significance, as each of these books has a distinct philosophical approach, standpoint, proposition and each one is unique in its own way, requiring perfect harmony and identical perception with the author.
Publication of these brought publicity averse Swamijee into limelight and people thronged to Pawas. To name a few, these included dignitaries like Ex CMs of Goa, Bhausaheb Bandodkar, Smt. Shashikala Bandodkar, earstwhile VC of Pune University MM. D. V. Potdar, Ex. Rss Chief Golwalkar Gurujee, Saints like Shreedhar Swami, Bhalchandra Maharaj famous writers like Dr. S. D. Pendse, S. V. Dandekar etc.

He initiated innumerable people into the fold of Nath school and put them on the path of self realization.

A compilation of sixty five letters written by Swamijee and published as ‘Swaroop Patra Manjusha’ is a good guide to followers on pathway to God.
Dr. B. N. Turambekar got his doctorate by writing a thesis on Swamijee’s literature, which is a tangible evidence of scholarship, depth and magnitude of Swamijee’s Literature. His thesis is now published in book form as ‘Arupache Swaroop’.

Swamijee was a living encyclopedia of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s literature. In Dnyaneshwari two verses are very similar except for first two words (3/145 and 18/218). Readers would be astonished to find two identically worded stanzas as their parallel in Swamijee’s Abhang Dnyaneshwari. Swamijee selected 109 stanzas from Dnyaneshwari and arranged these in a fresh sequence which gives gist of the original epic and make a comprehensive reading. This compiliation titled “Dnyaneshwari Nityapath” has become household name amongst many families in Maharashtra.

Such computer like precision, and focused colossal literary efforts to resurrect and spread Sant Dnyaneshwar’s spiritual knowledge which is crux of Upanishads would not have been possible by a frail person like Swamijee without divine grace.

Like many of his devotees, I too, therefore, strongly feel, that Swami Swaroopanandjee of Pawas was an apostle of Sant Dnyaneshwar.

Madhav Ranade
“Swaroop Saulee”
Plot No. 259, Sector No. 28,
Pradhikaran, Nigdi, Pune-411044.
Ph. No. (020) 27656958
Mob : 9823356958

Note :
1) One of my relations suggested that, I should write at least one article outlining brief biography of Swamijee in English so that a larger section of the internet surfers come to know about Swamijee’s rich literary contribution.
2) Swamijee’s literature and cassettes of his Abhangs are available at
a) Swami Swaroopnand Sewa Mandal, Pawas, Dist : Ratnagiri, Pin-415 616.
b) Desai Bandhu Ambewale, 1483, Shukrawar Peth, Near Shanipar, Pune-411002.

Swamimhane

2008-03-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

स्वामी म्हणे.....

2008-02-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

स्वामी म्हणे.....

2008-01-07T01:31:00.000-08:00

स्वामी म्हणे

2007-12-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

भाग १ भाग 2

भाग ३ भाग ४
भाग ५

स्वामी म्हणे.....

2007-11-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

भाग १ भाग 2

भाग ३ भाग ४

स्वामी म्हणे.....

2007-11-12T06:07:00.000-08:00