AMRUTANUBHAV.
(EXPERIENCE ECSTATIC.)
Sant Dnyāneshwar (1275-1296).
I feel 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 SantNiwrattinath, sometime after year 1290, to prompt SantDnyaneshwar, 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/union with the FORMLESS, the ABSOLUTE. King of semantics, the literature lord, Sant Dnyaneshwar, with his abundant, unfathomable 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”.
Nevertheless, 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 an amazing example Sant Tukaram’s Abhang, it is strewn with jewelry of his words. It is astonishing, 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 faced great humiliation, were looked down upon and disdained by the society being the children of a man who, before their birth had embraced SANYASA the path of renunciation.
Truly speaking, all his literary works are unique and unparalleled. These are the masterpieces of Marathi literature. The central theme of his writing is focused on Chidvilaswad, that is “Adwaita”/ monism.
I personally feel, “Amrutanubhav” tops the list of his major works, being rendering of his heart without straightjacket of any framework. 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.
It is but natural that being many Centuries old, it was becoming more & more difficult to discern the language of this philosophical treasure by Saint Dnyaneshwar Maulee, descendant of Lord Visnu.
It was at this time, Sadguru Swami Swaroopanand (Pawas) 20th Century’s torch bearer of Nath Sampraday was born. Through his resolute devotion and ascetic lifestyle ascended to be the APOSTLE of his idol Sant Dnyaneshwar Maulee.
Being a born poet, he transformed, all three major works of Maulee in Abhang Metere, after self realization in present day Marathi. To the best of my knowledge he is the only Saint poet who has done this literary HAT TRICK.
Erudite Swamijee accomplished this herculean task without disturbing the Central theme of Chidwilaswad propunded by Sant Dnyaneshwar Maulee, which is the essence, soul of the original works, with such elan & elegance that the readers are attracted towards these.
Swamijee has thus revived this Centuries old Upanishadic knowledge for coming generations.
Madhav Ranade
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